Coronavirus: MotoGP organisers hopeful of at least 10 races

MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta

Dorna Sports chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta is confident at least 10 MotoGP races will be staged this year and revealed there could be consecutive rounds at the same circuit.

It was announced on Wednesday that races in Germany, the Netherlands and Finland have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers are hoping to start the season at end of July with a November finish, although that could be put back to December if races can take place outside of Europe. 

Ezpeleta says fans are highly unlikely to be allowed into the venues to watch the premier-class action.

He said: "It will be difficult to have spectators at the races but we will have our fantastic television coverage which will permit the majority of people to watch the races."

Rounds in Spain, France and Italy were also postponed and it is too early to say whether they can be rescheduled. 

Ezpeleta added: "Our idea right now is to start at the end of July. Where and when are still to be decided.

"We're sure our initial program is to start in Europe and race from the end of July until November and see what's happening, and if the non-European races will be possible after November.

"In the worst case, if it's not possible to travel outside of Europe, we'll at least keep a Championship of least 10 to 12 races between the end of July and the end of November."

Ezpeleta also stated organisers are "considering doing two consecutive race weekends at the same circuit."