The first Grand Prix of Kazakhstan in 2024 has been indefinitely postponed by MotoGP due to severe floods in the Central Asian nation. Dorna, the organizer of MotoGP, and FIM, the governing body, released a joint statement stating that they hope to reschedule the race at the Sokol circuit, originally scheduled for June 16, to a later date in the season. However, this may prove to be a challenging task. The statement explained that unprecedented weather conditions have caused a national emergency in Kazakhstan, leading to floods and the displacement of a significant part of the population. MotoGP does not want to add any additional burden to the authorities or services as they work to help those affected by the floods. As a result, the Sokol International Circuit will not host MotoGP as planned earlier, and further updates will be provided as they are confirmed.
Floods, which occurred approximately 1200 miles away from the circuit, initially displaced almost 120,000 people. Fortunately, water levels have decreased in recent days. The Kazakhstan Grand Prix was originally scheduled to debut in 2023 at the Sokol circuit designed by Hermann Tilke, but construction delays have pushed its inclusion on the calendar to 2024. Efforts have been made to accelerate the progress of the circuit, including the involvement of Razlan Razali, former CEO of the Sepang International Circuit and team principal of Petronas Yamaha. Despite the commitment to reschedule the race later in the year, it seems highly unlikely due to the packed MotoGP calendar in the second half of 2024. With the weather in Almaty limiting the viable window until early October, finding a suitable slot in the calendar is a challenge. Additionally, logistical and customs issues associated with organizing a race for the first time would need to be considered. The initial plan of having a backup circuit in Hungary also seems unfeasible, as Balaton Park Circuit is set to be replaced on the World Superbike calendar, with Estoril in Portugal expected to take its place.
