Image: Supplied.

The beginning of the 2021 MXGP World Championship will be delayed until May, Infront Moto Racing has confirmed amid a reshuffle due to the current COVID-19 pandemic that continues to affect international sporting events.

Round one of the season is now scheduled for 23 May at Oss in the Netherlands, while Oman – which was initially due to commence this year’s series on 3 April – has been delayed altogether until 2022.

Meanwhile, the MXGP of Italy, MXGP of Portugal and the MXGP of Germany will be moved from April/May to October and other changes include two new venues that will host the two Indonesian rounds. The MXGP of Asia will head to Borobudur on 4 July, while the MXGP of Indonesia will take place in Bali on 11 July.

In addition, the MXGP of China has been re-scheduled from 19 September to 7 November, with a venue to be announced, as well as the MXGP of Argentina set to be held on 21 November on a new circuit to be announced.

The goal for the 2021 season is to finally welcome back spectators and to be able to do so in a safe and responsible way, with certain changes having to be made following the current evolution of the pandemic.

It’s also been revealed that the 2021 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXoN) will take place on 26 September at this point, however, Imola will not be the host venue this year. A new location is yet to be announced by organisers.

2021 MXGP World Championship calendar (updated):
Rd1 – 23 May – Oss, The Netherlands
Rd2 – 13 June – Orlyonok, Russia
Rd3 – 20 June – Kegums, Latvia
Rd4 – 4 July – Borobudur, Indonesia
Rd5 – 11 July – Bali, Indonesia
Rd6 – 25 July – Loket, Czech Republic (Women)
Rd7 – 1 August – Lommel, Belgium (Women)
Rd8 – 8 August – Uddevalla, Sweden
Rd9 – 22 August – Iitti-KimiRing, Finland
Rd10 – 29 August – Igora Drive, Russia
Rd11 – 12 September – Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Women)
Rd12 – 19 September – TBA, TBA
Rd13 – 3 October – Teutschenthal, Germany
Rd14 – 10 October – St Jean d’Angely, France
Rd15 – 17 October – Intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos, Spain (Women)
Rd16 – 24 October – Agueda, Portugal
Rd17 – 31 October – TBA, Italy (Women)
Rd18 – 7 November – TBA, China
Rd19 – 14 November – Neuquen, Argentina