In a shocking turn of events, the 2024 MotoGP calendar has been dealt a blow with the cancellation of the Argentina Grand Prix. This grandiose development, confirmed by series promoter Dorna Sports and MotoGP’s governing body FIM, has sent ripples through the racing community, altering the landscape of what was anticipated to be the longest season in history.
The Argentina Grand Prix Under Threat:
Initially scheduled as the third round of the 22-round calendar, the Argentina Grand Prix faced a looming threat due to government spending cuts under the country’s new president. The race at Termas de Rio Hondo has long relied on heavy government subsidies, and these cuts jeopardized its ability to meet MotoGP standards.
By many sources, the government’s decision to trim spending put the Argentina GP in a precarious position. This setback follows a series of challenges the event has faced in recent years, including a pit complex fire in 2021 and freight delays in 2022.
Official Confirmation of Cancellation:
On January 31, Dorna Sports and the FIM officially confirmed the cancellation of the 2024 Argentina GP. The statement cited the inability of the event’s promoter to guarantee the necessary services, thus preventing the Grand Prix from meeting MotoGP standards. Importantly, the announcement clarified that the race would not be replaced on the 2024 calendar, with hopes of returning to Termas de Rio Hondo in 2025.
Implications on the MotoGP Calendar:
The cancellation has reshaped the MotoGP calendar, introducing a three-week gap between the Portuguese GP and the Americas GP in Texas. As of now, there are no further changes, and the revised 2024 calendar, detailed below, maintains 21 rounds.
2024 Revised MotoGP Calendar:
- Qatar GP – Losail
- Portuguese GP – Portimao
- Americas GP – Circuit of the Americas
- Spanish GP – Jerez
- French GP – Le Mans
- Catalan GP – Barcelona
- Italian GP – Mugello
- Kazakhstan GP – Sokol
- Dutch GP – Assen
- German GP – Sachsenring
- British GP – Silverstone
- Austrian GP – Red Bull Ring
- Aragon GP – Aragon
- San Marino GP – Misano
- Indian GP – Buddh
- Indonesian GP – Mandalika
- Japanese GP – Motegi
- Australian GP – Phillip Island
- Thailand GP – Buriram
- Malaysian GP – Sepang
- Valencia GP – Valencia
Looking Ahead: Potential Contingency Plans:
While the MotoGP community absorbs the shock of the Argentina Grand Prix cancellation, attention turns to the rest of the season. The addition of the Kazakhstan GP in June remains a highlight, and the reserve venue, Balaton Park track in Hungary, stands ready if needed, meeting homologation requirements.
Connecting the Dots:
In light of this unexpected development, our earlier post, Revving Up for Glory: Your Guide to the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, gains even more significance. The anticipation we built around the upcoming season now carries a sense of unpredictability, with teams and riders navigating unexpected hurdles.
As we navigate the twists and turns of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship, stay connected with Mattelo Moto for real-time updates, exclusive insights, and comprehensive coverage of the 2024 season. Join us as we eagerly await the roar of engines and the thrill of competition when the season kicks off. For a detailed overview of the MotoGP calendar and more, head over to Revving Up for Glory post and stay tuned for the latest developments!
