The 2024 MotoGP schedule is poised for another modification, as reported by The Kazakhstani 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 was further delayed until mid-September, taking the place of the Indian Grand Prix, which will not occur again until 2025.
While the initial postponement was attributed to flooding, there are still unresolved concerns regarding the track’s readiness. As a result, Dorna, the series organizer, is determined to avoid another race being dropped from the calendar, especially since the Indian race was already lost under uncertain circumstances. Additionally, Argentina’s new president led to the cancellation of the Termas de Rio Hondo race earlier in the season.
Fortunately, there is a suitable replacement available in the form of Qatar’s Lusail circuit. The venue has a relatively quiet schedule, with no events scheduled between March’s MotoGP race and Formula 1’s visit in November. Moreover, the circuit’s logistical convenience makes it an ideal choice, especially considering 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, relocating from Sokol to Lusail would greatly simplify the complex task of transferring the GP circus between countries, particularly since the Kazakhstani race will be followed by the Indonesian Grand Prix. This move would alleviate the challenges and delays often encountered when visiting a country for the first time.