MotoGP World Championship. How is the protocol of protection for the COVID-19?

MotoGP COVID 19: General guidelines for the GPs

With the COVID 19 pandemic and resulting worldwide health crisis that still has not let up in many countries, MotoGP has established a strict safety protocol intended to minimize the risk of contagion between personnel in the paddock.

The first thing to highlight is that the organisers of the World Championship will perform tests on all accredited personnel, riders, mechanics, and Dorna staff; and they will be kept isolated until the Grand Prix takes place. In addition, within the safety perimeter, common areas will be disinfected daily.

In order to reduce the risk of contagion and comply with the adopted safety measures, the MotoGP medical staff will work thoroughly to require that all accredited personnel use personal protective equipment such as masks and to wash their hands properly and often. Within the circuit, social distancing will be practised like in any other setting.

This distancing will require that the teams remain divided by groups, one per rider, and its members cannot mix with other groups. Additionally, the entire paddock will have a phone app for controlling check-ups and for tracking the people that they have come into contact with. The number of people on a team and on the technical staff will be limited.

In addition to the first check-up before each GP, daily medical check-ups will be performed on all personnel to verify the absence of symptoms; and in the case of detecting any type of sign or symptom related to COVID 19, the person will be sent to an isolation area in the medical centre. If necessary, the patient will be sent to a nearby medical centre for additional testing. If the results come back negative, the person can return to the circuit, and if positive, they will be quarantined.

MotoGP COVID 19 protocol for umbrella staff, podium, and paddock

Everything related with coordination and protocol for the Grand Prix will be affected given the special circumstances for the return of the MotoGP World Championship, therefore both the grid protection personnel (umbrella girls/guys) as well as the podium and paddock will have some type of restriction or modification.

The position of the umbrella guy/girl will be eliminated and their jobs will be fulfilled by a member of the rider’s team. This team member will be in charge of attending to the rider’s needs.

With regards to podium protocol, the riders will come out with the trophies already in hand. They will be handed to them right before the ceremony, which will not include hostesses nor dignitaries. Additionally, a safe distance of two metres will be required between the three riders. Likewise, all personnel in the paddock will have to wear a mask whenever indicated and must create a safe distance between the rider and the press.

MotoGP COVID 19 protocol for track marshals, accidents, and the Mobile Clinic

The track marshals and personnel will need to perform their duties as they always have, but in case of an accident, they cannot touch the rider and will only be able to remove the bike from the track. Only the medical staff will be responsible for helping the riders in this situation. The Mobile Clinic will have tightened schedules and services to avoid overcrowding.

Trainings and activities during MotoGP COVID 19 pandemic

The riders will be able to exercise, run, walk, or bike on the circuit, as before, but now they must do this individually and while respecting social distancing with any other person on the track while they are training.

If meetings are necessary while carrying out the tests, it is encouraged that they take place via video conference.

Also, no authorized personnel within the paddock will be able to leave the grounds during the Grand Prix race, unless it is at the end of the day to head to the hotel where he or she is staying.