Kazakhstan Poised to Rev Up as Potential Indian MotoGP Replacement Amid Contractual Uncertainties

Is Kazakhstan Poised to Take Over the Indian MotoGP Slot?

Might Kazakhstan be the next destination for the MotoGP, filling in for India?

The first-ever MotoGP race in Kazakhstan, initially scheduled for mid-June, has been delayed to sometime in 2024 following a "national emergency" triggered by flood conditions. This raises the question of how the race will fit into an already packed schedule.

Initially, the open weekend preceding the overseas races – situated between the Misano event on September 8th and the one in India on the 22nd – seems logically placed from a geographical standpoint. However, it would lead to an unsustainable schedule of six races over six consecutive weekends.

The additional weekend during the return journey from the overseas races, situated between Malaysia and Valencia, would thus result in five races over five consecutive weeks, alongside a post-Valencia race test. Furthermore, one should consider the chilly climate in Kazakhstan during November.

Given that the summer break cannot be altered, the only available option appears to be a slot in August, potentially the weekend that falls between the Silverstone (4th) and Austria (18th) races.

Razlan Razali, the ex-CEO of Sepang and former leader of the SRT/RNF MotoGP team, has made a trip to the Sokol International Circuit. He announced via social media that the circuit is fully constructed and poised to host its inaugural MotoGP event.

When asked about the apparent absence of alternative dates for this season, Razali responded with assurance, saying, "It's merely delayed. Keep an eye on this area."

When is the Sokol event anticipated to occur?

Motorsport.com has announced that Kazakhstan might step in as a substitute for India, which is scheduled to organize its second MotoGP event from September 20th to 22nd.

There are concerns regarding India because the domestic sponsors have reportedly failed to fulfill their financial obligations as outlined in their agreements.

Motorsport has mentioned that India has been given until May 20 to settle its dues. If it fails to do so, the event will be called off, paving the way for Kazakhstan to step in as its replacement.

In response to inquiries regarding the speculated India-Kazakhstan race exchange, a spokesperson from Dorna informed Crash.net that they are presently in a position of observing to see how the situation unfolds with the two events.

The initial schedule for the 2024 calendar featured 22 races, but it has been trimmed down to 21 following the cancellation of the event in Argentina.

Discover Further

Recent Updates

Recent Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Recreating or copying any portion of the text, images, or illustrations in any manner is strictly prohibited.