Argentina and Kazakhstan at risk: MotoGP looks to Hungary

Hanging in the balance, the Argentinian GP may go the same way as the Kazakhstan round, albeit for different reasons. While there has been racing at Termas de Rio Hondo for years, riders and paddock staff may have to go without a visit to the Sokol Circuit, just as they did with Finland. Meanwhile, a return to Hungary looks likely.

New government and related issues: Argentina without MotoGP

As was the case for SBK, more or less. Argentina is experiencing a sort of political revolution, which means the country is tightening its belt. The production-derived event scheduled to take place last autumn was cancelled because the local San Juan authorities cut funding for the event, a figure that none of the other parties involved could guarantee.

As for MotoGP, the issue is even more complicated, in that it regards central government. Newly elected President Javier Milei is implementing a plan for economic return that spans all sectors considered "surplus", or rather not essential to the survival of the country.

This includes sport, which is not only sport, but rather a vehicle for communication, visibility, and the bankrolling of national activities. And so if round three of the championship were to be cancelled, the South American continent will not feature on the calendar at all, unless Brazil were to make a return.

Kazakhstan enormous, but "alien" to MotoGP

There were two new events scheduled for 2023: Kazakhstan and India. But while the racing went ahead at the Buddh International Circuit, there was nothing doing with regard to the Sokol International Track. And now another cancellation is looking likely.

The circuit is still to be homologated, with services and structures yet to be completed, and then there are those extra-sectorial obstacles, so perhaps it’s best avoided. The enormous country is, after all, "alien" to motorcycle racing.

Hungary ready to substitute in MotoGP

There has been a lot of talk about the Balaton Ring over the years, though the circuit is yet to feature on any MotoGP calendar. The world championship does have previous experience of Hungary though, albeit many years ago, as demonstrated by the cover photo of Eddie Lawson.

The American won aboard the Cagiva, making history with the brand. The spectators loved it, but the Hungaroring would continue with Formula 1, doing without the two-wheel prototypes. But now, thanks to Argentina and Kazakhstan, there might be room for a return.

It’s incredible to think that two of the year’s rounds may be cancelled. Perhaps one event, but the cutting of two seems excessive. Though we might be wrong of course. But replacing Termas or Sokol with Hungary is a legitimate possibility. Particularly Sokol, if only for a question of the weather, considering that the Argentinian round was scheduled for April and Kazakhstan for July...