This year’s MotoGP and WorldSBK seasons have been thrown into further doubt after the Italian government placed a ban on travel to and from 11 areas of the country - including Rimini, the home of Valentino Rossi - because of coronavirus.

Although residents are permitted to leave for work purposes, it will make travel very difficult, especially for people wanting to leave the country entirely.

There are a few riders who live in Italy but the country is packed to the rafters with MotoGP and WorldSBK team members - and the Jerez Superbike round is meant to take place at the end of this month, just before the travel ban runs out.

The 11 areas are: Parma, Piacenza, Rimini, Reggio-Emilia, Modena, Pesaro and Urbino, Venice, Padua, Treviso, Alessandra and Asti.