Image: Octopi Media.

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to plague the racing world with uncertainty, Ken Roczen and Team Honda HRC have made the decision to sit out the 2021 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Mantova, which is scheduled for late September.

The German-born rider was at one point excited to compete in this year’s event, but potential complications created by the pandemic have ruled him out. Following his 1-1 sweep of the Unadilla round of Pro Motocross, Ken Roczen confirmed the decision.

“I really wanted to race,” Roczen explained. “I was ready to go and whatnot, but now after further review with Honda, it’s a little bit difficult time with the whole covid situation, with parts and all of that kind of stuff.

“Then of course the whole situation over in Europe, I just feel like there’s a lot of uncertainty. Obviously, as of right now, it’s happening but who knows if there will be any fans allowed.”

While uncertainty around the pandemic is one factor, a host of top MXGP riders are opting out of the event as their season is scheduled to continue after the event, another piece of the puzzle that led Roczen to his decision.

“Obviously, a lot of riders are not going to race, so I feel like the pros and cons for me, there was a lot more on the cons side for everything,” he continued. “I feel like this is such a special race that I feel like if you can’t do it all the way then [it’s a] don’t do it at all type of thing.”

Also opting out of the event is Roczen’s title rival and current red plate holder Dylan Ferrandis as the Star Racing Yamaha team is relocating to Florida, impacting their decision to field any riders for the event.