The 2021 MotoGP provisional calendar has been updated once again with the official cancellation of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan in Motegi which was set to take place in early October. The Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas will be taking its place where riders will set foot at the Circuit of the Americas once again from 1 to 3 October 2021.

The Japanese round cancelation was due to travel complications and logistical restrictions placed by the country as part of their effort to combat the widespread of COVID-19. This also means that the Thai round at the Chang International Circuit has been scheduled for a week later from 15 to 17 October 2021. The next question in mind would be, what about Malaysia?

As our beloved country is currently under the 'full lockdown' movement control order, the latest National Recovery Plan might allow the Malaysian MotoGP round to take place IF we're able to control the number of cases down to Phase 3 and 4. But that phase is targeted to take place in October and November while Phase 4 in November and December.

Malaysia is still in the latest MotoGP provisional calendar, but looking at the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, we're not that far from Japan (Japan is at #34 with over 787,000 cases, while Malaysia sits at #37 with over 711,000 cases). Although our death figures are considerably lower, there's still a chance that the Malaysian round might get axed once again, particularly if the fans are not allowed to attend the circuit.