While MotoGP is optimistic they can get the 2020 season started in two months, the races scheduled in Asia will proceed only if there are spectators in the stands, according to Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports -- the competition's rights holder.
"If possible, we will love to go to Asia but it is necessary to go to Asia [with spectators]," Ezpeleta said in an exclusive interview that will be aired on Fox Sports Asia on May 19 at 8 p.m. HKT.
Like the rest of the sporting world, MotoGP was brought to a standstill 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus. With the pandemic slowly abating in some countries, the return of sports could be on the horizon and MotoGP could return as soon as the middle of July. Races in Asia include Thailand (October 4), Japan (October 18) and Malaysia (November 1).
"The races in Europe are more possible without spectators, but going to Asia without spectators is very difficult because of the cost to go to Asia -- in this condition, it is not possible.
"We're talking with the different promoters to know if this is possible or not."
The 2020 season was originally scheduled to get underway on March 8 in Qatar, but the premier class competition race was cancelled as local travel restrictions mandated a 14-day quarantine for visitors from a host of countries including Italy -- which make up a significant percentage of MotoGP personnel.
The Moto2 and Moto3 races went ahead as riders and crew were already in Doha for an earlier three-day official test at Losail International Circuit.
"From the beginning, [we have tried] to look at the best possible scenario to continue this year," Ezpeleta said. "First of all, we took some measures with the manufactures, IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) and FIM (Federatione Internationale de Motocyclisme) to try and reduce the cost for this situation.
MotoGP, like all sports looking to restart, will try to balance its schedule against government restrictions. Ezpeleta said no races will extend past the middle of December.
"Our idea is to make around 12 to 13 Grands Prix in Europe during the period between July and the beginning of November, then move to Asia and the Americas if possible.
"Maybe by the beginning of September, we can announce if the non-European GPs will happen or not.