MotoGP News: Kazakhstan Grand Prix Canceled And Replacement Confirmed

Alex Harrington | Jul 15, 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Enea Bastianini (23) of Italy and Ducati Lenovo Team and Jorge Martin (89) of Spain and Prima Pramac Racing rides during the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The highly anticipated Kazakhstan Grand Prix, originally slated for the 2024 MotoGP calendar, has been officially canceled. This marks the third postponement of the event since its proposed debut. Initially delayed due to an unprepared circuit and subsequent flooding in the area, the 2024 cancellation stems from inadequate guarantees from local organizers.

In place of the Kazakhstan event, a second grand prix will now be hosted by the Misano circuit in Italy, filling the void left on the MotoGP calendar. This development follows the earlier cancellations of the India and Argentina Grand Prix, reducing the initially planned 22-event calendar for 2024 to 20 races.

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli will now see heightened activity with the addition of the Emilia-Romagna GP, scheduled from September 20-22, shortly after hosting the San Marino GP from September 6-8. This decision to host a replacement event in Misano comes after MotoGP promoter, Dorna Sports, sought alternative options to maintain a robust calendar for the racing season. Initial considerations for a second event in Qatar fell through due to logistical challenges and climate concerns, leading to Misano's selection over other potential venues like Valencia and Brno.

The choice of Misano presents notable logistical challenges as it precedes the Indonesian GP. Teams will have a mere five days to transition their operations from Italy to Indonesia.