The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, 2020 Cross-Country Rallies World Championship round one, joins list of motorsport events affected by Coronavirus pandemic.
 

Round one of the 2020 Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, has been postponed. The event scheduled for March 20-26 was due to be the first port of call  after the 2020 Dakar Rally but as of last night, March 12, has joined the growing list of events postponed as a precaution against the Coronavirus pandemic.

The joint statement from rally organsiers, Emirates Motorsports Organisation and the FIM:

As a result of global developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and the United Arab Emirates Motorcycle Club (UAEMC) and the Rally organisers we have taken the decision to postpone the 2020 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, originally scheduled to take place March 20-26.

As the event organisers, we have a duty to safeguard the health and safety of competitors, support teams, officials, volunteers and all rally enthusiasts.

Emirates Motorsports Organization and rally organisers have been in permanent contact with the government authorities in the UAE and were following all precautionary measures to protect the motor sport community and the wider public.

All parties are currently evaluating if it will be possible to re-schedule the events later this season.

Further updates will be issued in due course from the FIM Baja and Cross-Country Rallies organisation.