Andorra becomes MotoGP riders training ground
The tiny principality of Andorra has given MotoGP riders the chance to hit the track for the first time since the lockdown came in
THE tiny principality of Andorra has opened its circuits for those MotoGP riding residents that wish to begin training again.
Tint the principality might be, but it’s a bit of a hotspot for MotoGP talent, with Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Aleix and Pol Espargaró, Maverick Viñales and Tito Rabat all residing in the 180 sp mile area.
With such a thriving amount of talent concentrated in such a small area, it’s no surprise that the local government was keen to get the riders on-side with some early doors testing.
For many riders on the MotoGP grid, they have been following the online exploits of Jack Miller with envy, as the Aussie star has been able to ride with almost no restrictions on enduro bikes near his home. Some Italian racers of ‘national interest’ have also been allowed out to play on selected circuits across the nation.
Meanwhile, Andorra, where a total of 22 grand prix riders have residency, initially allowed only Trials.
“Andorra has said that professional riders can go just a couple of hours to practice some Trials in one place,” Suzuki's Joan Mir said last week. “This is good news but not enough because there are a lot of riders, like the Italian guys - they can go out now, the ones that are living in Tavullia to the ranch and these things.”
The Government of Andorra gave permission for professional riders to begin training at the Circuit Andorra Pas de la Casa (altitude of 2,400 metres!) from Wednesday, so long as social distancing and anti-contamination procedures were followed.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
