Rutter leads Hickman during the 2019 Macau Race

The famous event in southern China is scheduled to take place from November 19-22.

With the Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix cancelled, and the North West 200 indefinitely postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Macau GP towards the end of the year could be the only occasion when many of the sport’s top names are in mainstream action on the roads.

In a statement issued to the News Letter on Friday, the Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee confirmed the event – the only one of its kind to combine top-level car and bike racing – is due to take place as planned.

It said: “The organization of the 67th Macau Grand Prix, which is due to be held from 19 to 22 November 2020, is currently ongoing according to schedule.”

The Covid-19 crisis has shackled major sporting events around the globe, although it is hoped that a resumption of sport may be possible in the summer months.

As a result of the impact of coronavirus, the Irish road racing calendar has been decimated, with the Cookstown 100 and Tandragee 100 postponed, while the governing body of the sport in the south – Motorcycling Ireland (incorporating the MCUI Southern Centre) - announced the cancellation of ‘all events for the foreseeable future’.

The Southern 100 at Billown on the Isle of Man has also been cancelled along with the Pre-TT Classic and Post-TT Races.

At present, the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix in August and September remains on.

Whether or not any road racing takes place over the summer remains to be seen, but with the Macau Grand Prix not scheduled until the middle of November, there may be a better chance of the race taking place.

Last year, Michael Rutter was declared the winner under controversial circumstances for a record ninth time.

The race was stopped twice, with Rutter announced as the winner on his Honda RC213V-S from Peter Hickman after the re-started race was stopped following a multiple bike pile-up as the leaders began their second lap.

Dan Kruger, Didier Grams, Erno Kostamo, Michael Sweeney, Phillip Crowe and Derek Sheils were all involved in the crash at Police corner. Fortunately, none of the riders sustained serious injuries.

Initially, there was speculation that the race would be held the following day, but the decision was taken to cancel.

The event organisers said a packed Sunday schedule – featuring the Formula 3 Grand Prix, two World Touring Car Cup races and the GT World Cup final – did not leave room for a re-run of the 12-lap motorcycle race.