As the latest travel rules to Qatar affect many motorcycling World Cup workers, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna have decided to cancel the MotoGP race class for the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend. The Moto2 and Moto3 sessions at Round 1 will continue as planned. Additionally, the Thai government has decided that the second GP to be held in Buriram will be postponed for all MotoGP classes.
The entire Estrella Galicia 0,0 Moto3 team are already in Qatar due to their test last week, and are unaffected by travel restrictions imposed by the country due to the global outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Sergio Garcia Dols will assume his new role as spearhead of the Spanish formation, with the Japanese Ryusei Yamanaka ready to face his first full season in the World Championship. Both riders, together with their respective technical teams in Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Moto3, are already preparing for the first race of the 2020 season at the Qatar Grand Prix next weekend.
After take advantages of the last official test in the Losail International Circuit, garcia Dols and the Japanese debutant face the first World Cup test convinced of their possibilities.
With the changes introduced in the official schedule of the event, the first free practice for the Moto3 class will begin next Friday at 13h25 – local time – (GSM +3), with the race scheduled on Sunday at 16h20.
SERGIO GARCÍA DOLS – “Everything is in place to see how far we can go”
Despite starting his second World Championhip season in 2020, Sergio Garcia Dols could not take part in last year’s Qatar GP because he had not reached the minimum age requirement (16 years old).
He had previously participated in the 2019 Official Test at Losail, and coupled with his experience from this past weekend, he is well acclimatised to the circuit. He was 11th overall in the 2020 testing finale.
“I think we have had a good preseason. We were fast at Valencia and Jerez, although in Qatar we found it a little harder to get a good setup. We were able to do that, we rode at a good pace alone and the most positive thing is that I have a bike with which I feel very comfortable. There are still some aspects to improve. Last year I couldn’t race at Qatar because of the age limit, but now I’m ready. Everything is in place to see how far we can go.”
RYUSEI YAMANAKA – “I am sure that we will improve compared to the Official Test”
Ryusei Yamanaka also has previous experience of Losail. He raced last year as Garcia Dols’ replacement, and made excellent progress over the course of the Official Test last week.
The Japanese rookie also took part in three other races last season as a wildcard, with his best result a ninth place at the Catalan Grand Prix. He was also a winner at the Valencian round of the FIM CEV Repsol series.
“I know that the first race of the year is not going to be easy, but I am sure that we will improve compared to the Official Test last week. Riding in a group makes it easier to achieve a quick lap. My crew and I focused on adapting well and getting a good setup during the three days of testing in Qatar. I’m looking forward to the first race, and to continuing to learn.”
