Red light: Australian MotoGP cancelled

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Australian sport has taken another hit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with organisers confirming this year's MotoGP in Phillip Island has been scrapped.

MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports had been debating whether any events outside of Europe could be run after November as the pandemic has put the season on hold until at least July.

However, officials confirmed on Friday that the Australian event, to have run from October 23-25, had been cancelled.

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Australian Jack Miller understands but is disappointed that he won't be able to race on home soil this year.Credit: Getty Images

This means it will be the first time since 1984 that Australia has not held either a Formula One or MotoGP, potentially dealing a financial hit to the Australian Grand Prix Corporation although it will now avoid paying a hosting fee for both events.

AGPC chairman Paul Little said he was disappointed the event had been cancelled and refunds would be issued to ticket holders.

"We're very disappointed that MotoGP fans throughout Victoria, Australia and
internationally won't get the chance to make the pilgrimage to see the world's best
riders compete on one of the best circuits anywhere in the world but the right
decision has been made," he said.

"The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix puts Phillip Island on the global stage and it'll
be back better than ever in 2021."

The race has been held at Phillip Island since 1997.

The F1 season was meant to have started in Melbourne on March 14 but was cancelled after McLaren was forced to withdraw when a staff member tested positive for coronavirus. The season has yet to resume.

Officials announced on Friday that the British MotoGP at Silverstone had also been cancelled. The German, Dutch and Finnish events had already been scrapped.

MotoGP officials hope the season can now start in mid-July in Spain.

The cancellation of the Australian MotoGP is also a blow for local rider Jack Miller, who has recently signed a one-year deal with the Ducati factory team for the 2021 season.

"It's a massive shame to not be able to race at home this year but I completely
understand that in these uncertain and difficult times tough decisions have to be
made," Miller said.

"Phillip Island is always one of the highlights of the year for all of us riders because of
the amazing fans and how much we all love the track. We'll all be excited to get back
there for 2021 and I'll be doing everything I can to get back on that podium again."

The MotoGP season had been slated to open in March with the Qatar Grand Prix but the event was cancelled because of quarantine measures. The Moto2 and Moto3 races had already been held in Qatar but MotoGP teams had yet to arrive, prompting the cancellation.