Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix officially cancelled

On Wednesday, the organisers confirmed a five-event programme for the famous Chinese motorsport event, which will run from November 20-22 after being reduced to a three-day format.

It had been clear for some time that the motorcycle race was unlikely to go ahead after many of the leading riders one by one revealed they were unprepared to undergo the 14-day quarantine period required in a designated hotel upon arrival in Macau.

A statement said: ‘The Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will not take place this year. Having successfully contained the COVID-19 outbreak in Macao, many riders subsequently reconsidered their willingness to compete in view of the prevailing prevention regulations, making running the Far East classic this year unworkable.

‘Nevertheless, the 67th Macau Grand Prix promises plenty of exceptional motorsport, and this year represents a showcase for China’s hottest talent’.

Instead, a watered-down 67th running of the Macau Grand Prix will feature the Formula 4 MGP, for cars from the Chinese Formula 4 Championship and also counting as the series’ 2020 season finale; the Macau GT Cup, open to both GT3 and GT4 machinery for the first time; and the Macau Guia Race for Asian TCR drivers.

Although the Macau Grand Prix was first held in 1954, the first running of the motorcycle event did not take place until 1967.

Last year, Michael Rutter won the race for a record ninth time under controversial circumstances after two red-flag stoppages.

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