The low vaccination rate registered in the population of the area, 21% in July, advised that the test be held behind closed doors, without an audience, with the consequent economic impact that this was going to have on local promoters.
Earlier this week, the Thai tourism and sports minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn , already announced that it was considering canceling the celebration of the grand prize, which was no longer held last season as a result of the restrictions derived from the coronavirus.
At this point, both Dorna and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) are assessing the real possibilities of replacing the race with another.
At first, the most logical option was to concentrate two races in a row in Sepang, which should already host the Malaysian Grand Prix, the weekend of October 24. What happens is that the rate of the country’s vaccinated population does not even reach 15%, a circumstance that may even cast doubt on that quote.
Another alternative that was contemplated was to organize a double in Austin, home of the Grand Prix of the Americas , on October 3. However, the proximity to the Formula 1 test (October 22-24), and the adaptation required by the Austin circuit prevent it.
This being the case, Dorna’s desire to complete a calendar with 19 events is complicated. If you want to square it, the most reasonable options go through a double in Misano, home of the San Marino Grand Prix (September 19), or by revisiting one of the European circuits in which it has already been raced. That will happen in Portimão, which has already hosted the third stop of the World Cup and will also host the penultimate, scheduled for November 7.
