The 2024 MotoGP calendar, initially set to be the longest in history at 22 rounds, commencing with the Qatar Grand Prix on 10 March, faced a setback last week. The third round scheduled in Argentina was in jeopardy due to government spending cuts initiated by the country’s new president.
As reported by Motorsport.com, the budget cuts directly impacted the race held at Termas de Rio Hondo, as it relies heavily on government subsidies. On January 31, Dorna and the FIM, the governing body of MotoGP, officially announced the removal of the Argentina Grand Prix from the 2024 calendar.
Argentina rejoined the MotoGP calendar in 2014 at the Rio Hondo track and has been a consistent fixture, except for the COVID-affected years in 2020 and 2021. The event encountered various challenges in recent years, including a major pit complex fire in 2021 and freight delays in 2022, causing a delay in the grand prix.
The press release from FIM and Dorna confirmed that Argentina would not have a replacement in the 2024 season. The statement read, “The FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports confirm the cancellation of the 2024 Argentina GP.
Due to the current circumstances in Argentina, the promoter of the event has communicated that it is currently unable to guarantee the services required for the Grand Prix to take place in 2024 at MotoGP standards.
This event will not be replaced on the 2024 calendar. MotoGP hopes to return to race at Termas de Rio Hondo in 2025.”
Initially planned as a back-to-back event with the Americas GP in Texas, Argentina’s cancellation introduces a three-week gap between the Portuguese GP and the Austin round. As of now, no other calendar changes have been announced.
If the remaining rounds proceed as planned, MotoGP will still set a record with 21 rounds, including the inaugural Kazakhstan GP in June. The Kazakhstan GP is scheduled to occur at the new Sokol circuit from June 14-16.
In case of further calendar adjustments, MotoGP has a reserve circuit available that meets homologation requirements. The Balaton Park track in Hungary, which opened last year, was designated as a reserve venue for the 2024 MotoGP season. Hungary last hosted MotoGP in 1992 at the Hungaroring.