2020 Merzouga Rally Cancelled Due To COVID-19

The global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to play spoilsport for many events around the world including motorsport. Now, the 2020 Merzouga Rally, which was scheduled to run in the deserts of Morocco from May 25-29, has been cancelled as the Morrocan government has decided to suspend all events in response to the COVID-19 threat.  

This cancellation is a major one for off-road rally events as competitors could win a chance to qualify for the prestigious Dakar Rally. The Merzouga Rally is essentially a preparatory rally for Dakar with identical colour roadbook and navigation instruments. The organisers will announce an alternative for those willing to qualify for the next Dakar Rally. They’ve also announced that the next edition of the rally will take place from May 14-18, 2021.

Coronavirus has affected many international motorsport events such as Formula One, MotoGP, Formula-E, World Rally Championship, and World Endurance Championship. Back in India, two major events -- the South India Rally and 2020 Desert Storm -- have been postponed. While some motorsport series have revised their tentative dates, these could be altered further as there is no known cure for the virus at the moment. 

Coronavirus has infected 219,821 people so far with 9,222 reported deaths. It is also slowly making its way into India, with 151 confirmed cases and 4 deaths. As things stand, any event’s schedule is fluid until further notice. 

Image Source