MotoGP: Moto2 and Moto3 pre-season test moved to Qatar

The Losail International Circuit in Qatar will now host the official Moto2 and Moto3 pre-season test on March 19-21.

Testing was originally due to take place at Jerez but has been changed as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

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“The change of venue for Moto2 and Moto3 test has been agreed in order to create the safest and most efficient pre-season testing programme possible for the FIM MotoGP World Championship, minimising the travel necessary for each class and ensuring the first two Grands Prix of the season are able to take place safely and securely,” today’s statement said. 

As things stand, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, Qatar will become the hub for the MotoGP paddock in March. Due to the cancellation of the Sepang MotoGP test, the premier class riders will now take part in the following at the Losail circuit:

• March 3-4: Setup
• March 5: Shakedown Test (rookies and test riders only)
• March 6-7: Official Test
• March 10-12: Official Test

Qatar is scheduled to host the opening two rounds of the 2021 season on back-to-back weekends, on March 28 and April 4. Portimao, which hosted the season finale last year, will now host round three of the championship.

The Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup will also be on track in Qatar for pre-season testing on the same days as the Moto2 and Moto3 categories. Each class will have their own sessions as part of the three-day test.