Markus Zoerweg
Head of Motorcycle Department
With the outstanding MSM motorcycle gang, Markus keeps things running at MotoGP, WSBK & Co. He likes to irritate people with his Austrian accent.MORE
The official reason for the original postponement of the Kazakhstan Grand Prix was widespread flooding in the country, which occurred far from the track. Now it is finally clear that the Sokol International Racetrack was never ready for MotoGP. There is said to be a lack of both surrounding infrastructure and staff.
MotoGP wants to replace Kazakhstan with Qatar
After the race weekends in Argentina and India, Kazakhstan would be the third cancellation in the current MotoGP season. However, the racing calendar is still to include 20 Grands Prix. Dorna and the FIM are looking for a replacement. One seems to have already been found: a second event was planned in Qatar from 20 to 22 September. The Losail International Circuit had already hosted the season opener at the beginning of March.
Logistically, a triple-header with Qatar, Indonesia (27 to 29 September) and Japan (4 to 6 October) would make sense. The freight for the races in the Far East is transported via Doha airport anyway. However, the weather speaks against a race in Qatar. In September, it is extremely hot in the desert state, with temperatures of around 40 degrees not uncommon. Even at night, temperatures of 30 degrees or more can be reached. Last year, Formula 1 raced in Qatar at the beginning of October and pushed its drivers to their physical limits in a heat battle. The MotoGP drivers therefore made it clear to the series organizers that a Qatar race in September would be extremely difficult to manage.
MotoGP is therefore now looking for alternatives. According to rumors in the paddock, the traditional track in Brno is in a promising position for this – a rather surprising development! The course was on the calendar until 2020, but was then canceled due to differences between the local organizer and promoter Dorna. The main problem at the time was the aging asphalt with its many bumps, which became a danger for the drivers.
New owners in Brno: MotoGP comeback?
No new asphalt has been laid since then. This is planned for October following a change of ownership – the Shakai company bought the track last year from Karel Abraham’s ABR Holding. Too late for a MotoGP event this season. The decision-makers of the motorcycle world championship would therefore have to turn a blind eye if they really want to hold a Grand Prix in the Czech Republic in 2024. And even then, a triple header with Brno and the race weekends in Indonesia and Japan would be a logistically Herculean task.
Provisional MotoGP race calendar 2024
| Date | Grand Prix | Route |
| March 10 | Qatar | Losail |
| March 24 | Portugal | Portimão |
| 14 April | America | Austin |
| 28.April | Spain | Jerez |
| 12th of May | France | Le-Mans |
| May 26 | Catalonia | Barcelona |
| 2th of June | Italy | Mugello |
| June 30th | Netherlands | Assen |
| 7th of July | Germany | Sachsenring |
| 4th of August | Great Britain | Silverstone |
| 18th of August | Austria | Red Bull Ring |
| September 1 | Aragon | Alcaniz |
| 8 September | San Marino | Misano |
| 22 September | Kazakhstan | Sokol |
| 29 September | Indonesia | Mandalika |
| October 6 | Japan | Motegi |
| the 20th of October | Australia | Phillip Island |
| 27 October | Thailand | Buriram |
| November 3rd | Malaysia | Sepang |
| 17 November | Valencia | Cheste |
© Motorsport Magazine