Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix hangs in the balance due to COVID-19
The 54th running of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix is hanging in the balance due to COVID-19 quarantine rules
THE 54th running of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix is in doubt following confirmation that most riders are unwilling to make the trip under current COVID-19 conditions.
The current rules would mean that any overseas visitors going to Macau would need to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in the region. The current guidelines would see them having to stay within designated hotel accommodation prior to taking part in the weeklong event. The restrictions would also limit teams to a maximum of five personnel, a greatly reduced number compared to previous years.
There is also concern that upon returning to their home nations, riders and teams could also be required to quarantine should COVID-19 guidelines change while they are there.
The news means the annual season-ending trip to the historic race is pretty much a non-starter for the majority of the 27 riders due to take part.
Michael Rutter is just one of the riders who has spoken out regarding the 2020 event, with the Bathams rider talking to TDM-Radio Macau recently.
“Quarantine is a big problem for our team. I’m afraid that if the quarantine period is that long, we won’t be able to go,” Rutter said. “Hopefully things will change but if not, we have next year.”
An official on the Sporting Subcommittee of the Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee said it was understood that most riders would decline to travel to Macau under current conditions. They added that a 'replacement race' was being considered if there were insufficient entries for the motorcycle race.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
