‘Our goal is still to host public to most of our events’ – MXGP chief Luongo

MXGP boss David Luongo is hopeful that spectators will be allowed to attend most of this season’s races but will be subject to local rules and regulations.

The season is already starting two months late due to the Covid pandemic, beginning at Oss for the first time and Luongo is backing on the worldwide vaccination programme to help.

“March is usually the opening month of the MXGP season. Unfortunately, we still have some weeks to wait until the gates drop for the first time in 2021,” said Luongo.

“Most of the teams are testing in the south of Italy or in Spain to be ready for the first Grand Prix and the first pre-season races are taking place. It is also the time of the official presentation of most of the teams and the riders with the usual photo shooting.

“We updated the 2021 season calendar because of the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic. The opening Grand Prix will take place in the Netherlands at Oss for the first time.

“We will continue to monitor the situation every week, doing our best to deliver the most complete and exciting season possible.

“Our goal is still to host public to most of our events. We are constantly in contact with the governments, the federations and the organizers to improve our different protocols and to adapt them based on the local rules regarding the virus.

“We are sure that the situation will improve a lot in the upcoming months with the massive campaign of vaccination that is taking place worldwide. It will give the possibility to the MXGP paddock personnel to be protected and will permit to host public during international events.

“We announced during the week some new partnerships with TV broadcasters like Sport TV in Portugal and Kreator TV in Croatia, opening again the MXGP to new markets.

“We are also glad to announce that the Junior World Championship will take place in Ukraine in 2023, confirming the strong interest of this country for motocross.

“Finally, I would like to thank all the partners of MXGP to continue to support our sport, from the FIM to the teams and riders.”