LONDON (REUTERS) - MotoGP announced on Thursday (Aug 19) the cancellation of the Malaysian Grand Prix for the second year in a row, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and its replacement by another race at Italy's Misano circuit on Oct 24.

Misano's Marco Simoncelli circuit, a home track for Italy's soon-to-retire MotoGP great Valentino Rossi, is already scheduled to host the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix on Sept 19.

"The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting entry restrictions for Malaysia oblige the cancellation of the event," said MotoGP in a statement.

The name of the second race at Misano has yet to be announced.

The circuit also hosted two rounds last year, with the second designated the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Japanese, Australian and Thai rounds of the championship have already been cancelled owing to the pandemic, as well as the Finnish Grand Prix, which had been scheduled for last month.