For the first time in more than two months, the sound of a motorcycle has rung out around the Misano Marco Simoncelli World Circuit as the circuit opened its doors to conduct a private test session.
The venue has been out of action since the start of March when Italy initiated a nationwide lockdown as a consequence of the rapidly spreading coronavirus. At the time Italy had been identified as the epicentre of the virus’ spread, resulting in an unprecedented move to restrict movement and activity around the country.
Since then most countries in Europe have been forced to follow suit, with the motorsport season being put on hold until the impact had eased.
As Italy ‘flattens the curve’ of reported cases and deaths, it has now begun steadily re-opening its businesses resulting in the Misano circuit – located on the Adriatic coast – being opened up to any rider and team residing in the Emilia-Romagna region.
In all, 13 riders took up the invitation, including MotoGP development riders Michele Pirro and Lorenzo Savadori, who were on track riding their respective Ducati and Aprilia entries they will race in the CIV Superbike Championship.
Indeed, the Italian-based Superbike championship appears likely to be the first national series to get back up and running as motorsport adapts to a new format of hosting events with minimal staff and without spectators, while employing social distancing where possible.
As well as giving some riders the chance to flex their muscles on a racing bike, the test was also a chance to try out the new asphalt.
For now, Misano remains as scheduled on 13th September for its round of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship, while the WorldSBK event has been moved to a new end-of-season date in November.
Dorna is expected to release its latest calendar update at the end of May with Jerez set the host the opening rounds of the delayed season on July 19 and 26.
