MotoGP cancels season-opening race in Qatar amid coronavirus, Italy travel restrictions

The opening race of the MotoGP season in Qatar on March 8 has been cancelled because of travel restrictions imposed on passengers from Italy due to the coronavirus epidemic, MotoGP has announced.

"Italy clearly plays a vital role in the championship and in the MotoGP class - both on track and off - and therefore the decision has been taken to cancel premier class competition," a statement said on Sunday night.

The Moto2 and Moto3 categories will still race due to those teams and riders already being in Qatar for testing there last week.