MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports and Circuito de Jerez have announced plans for the Spanish venue to host the first two rounds of the 2020 season, pending the Spanish government’s approval.
The MotoGP season is yet to get underway after the first eleven rounds of the season have either been postponed or outright cancelled.
As a result of the calendar changes, the season was initially set to commence at the beginning of August at Brno for the Czech Grand Prix.
However, Dorna and Jerez reached an agreement in a virtual meeting held earlier this morning, that will see the venue host the season-opener on July 19 with the Spanish Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Andalusia on July 26.
Pending approval from the Spanish Government, the proposal will then need to be signed off by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
Vice President of the Andalusian Government, Juan Marin, expressed excitement over the proposed event.
“In the morning of today (Thursday) the Andalusian Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, the Jerez City Council and the Dorna company, have reached an agreement to hold two rounds of the MotoGP World Championship in the Jerez Circuit, on 19 and 26 July.
“From this moment on, we have to transfer, both to the government of Spain and, through the Dorna company, to the International Federation (FIM), the request to carry out all the actions and requirements necessary to guarantee security and greet all the participants and teams that will be in Andalusia this summer.
“I think it is magnificent news and we want to thank the City Council because we know the effort that is made in the organisation of these events, as well as Dorna for relying on the Jerez Circuit again.”
A reduced paddock size of around 1600 personnel to cover all MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 teams, as well as Dorna’s television crew, has been outlined by Dorna. It is also looking to purchase 10,000 COVID-19 test kits for regular testing of paddock personnel.