Fearing potential delays due to the effects of the war in Ukraine on airspace, the World Motorcycling Championship announced on Thursday (23) that the first free practice sessions of the Japanese GP will not be held on Friday morning
The trauma in Argentina has left MotoGP vaccinated. Fearing new logistical problems, the World Championship has anticipated and announced on Thursday (23) a change in the schedule of the Japanese GP, scheduled for September 25. Because of the change, the first Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP free practice sessions will not be held on Friday morning.
The concern of the World Championship organization is a result of the short time frame between the Aragon and Japan GPs, which take place in a row. Dorna Sports, the championship promoter, the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) and the IRTA (International Motorcycling Association) fear delays as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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"The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports are obliged to announce changes to the Friday schedule of the Japanese GP," it announced. "Due to logistical challenges imposed by the fact that the GP will be held in sequence with the GP of Aragon, as well as potential delays caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its effects on airspace, the FIM IRTA and Dorna Sports are announcing changes to the Friday schedule of the GP of Japan.nia and its effects on airspace, it has been decided not to hold the practice sessions for the GP classes - MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 - on Friday morning," it followed.
"Instead, Moto3's TL1 will start at 1:15pm local time, Moto2's at 2:10pm and MotoGP's at 3:05pm. This single MotoGP TL1 session that will take place on Friday afternoon will be extended from 45 to 75 minutes. The time extension is only for the premier class," he explained. "The combined result for Q1 and Q2 entry will be considered for TL1 and TL2 for all classes," he pointed out.
"Fan activities will be planned with the riders on Friday morning, giving fans on track the chance to interact with their heroes as MotoGP returns to Japan for the first time since 2019. We will also have action at Mobility Resort Motegi starting at 9am on Friday, as the Asian Talent Cup kicks off the race weekend with TL1, TL2 and qualifying for the third round of 2022," he listed. "After three years away, the MotoGP World Championship is looking forward to racing again in Japan, home to many MotoGP factories and in front of one of the most passionate and dedicated audiences on our calendar," he closed.
MotoGP returns to the track next week for the Dutch GP at Assen, the 11th round of the 2022 season.GRANDE PRÊMIO is following all the activities of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.