The MotoGP 2024 calendar is about to undergo another modification, as reported by the Kazakh race. Originally scheduled to take place at the Sokol circuit in 2023, it was postponed until June of this year due to extensive flooding in early April in the northern provinces of the vast country. However, the race has been postponed again until mid-September, taking the place of the Indian Grand Prix, which will not take place again until 2025.
Although the initial postponement was attributed to the floods, there are still unresolved concerns regarding the readiness of the track. As a result, Dorna, the series organizer, is determined to prevent another race from being withdrawn from the calendar, especially since the Indian race has already been lost under uncertain circumstances. Additionally, the new president of Argentina led to the cancellation of the Termas de Rio Hondo race at the beginning of the season.
Fortunately, there is a suitable replacement available in the form of the Lusail circuit in Qatar. The venue has a relatively quiet schedule, with no events scheduled between the March MotoGP race and the Formula 1 visit in November. Additionally, the logistical convenience of the circuit makes it an ideal choice, especially considering the MotoGP’s recent partnership with Qatar Airways, which already facilitates the transportation of cargo and personnel for the championship through the Middle Eastern country.
Furthermore, the change from Sokol to Lusail would greatly simplify the complex task of transferring the GP circus between countries, especially since the Kazakh race will be followed by the Indonesian Grand Prix. This change would alleviate the challenges and delays often encountered when visiting a country for the first time.
© 2024
