India likely to be removed from MotoGP 2024 calendar due to financial conflicts, Kazakhstan might have inaugural GP in September

After years of hiatus, MotoGP made a blistering comeback to India at Buddha International Circuit in Noida last year. The championship went on without much hiccups apart from some visa issues. Considering the support from fans MotoGP included India for the second championship event in 2024. 

However, in the latest media reports it has been reported that MotoGP is likely to remove India from the 2024 Calander after some financial issues between promoter Fairstreet Sports and Drona Sports. Over the past few months, there has been uncertainty surrounding the second edition of the Indian Grand Prix. 

Local reports indicate that promoter Fairstreet Sports may not have paid its dues to certain vendors, including Dorna. It’s worth noting that Drona has set May 20 as the deadline for the due payment. If promoters fail to pay the amount MotoGP might replace India MotoGP with the inaugural Grand Prix in Kazakhstan.

Why was Kazakhstan MotoGP cancelled earlier this month? 

It's now certain that the India race won't happen this year. Instead, MotoGP will hold the first Kazakhstan Grand Prix on 20-22 September. Dorna and FIM hadn't given a new date for the Sokol International Racetrack race after postponing the Kazakh event indefinitely from 14-16 June due to flooding. 

There was uncertainty about fitting it into the busy 2024 schedule, with 11 rounds from August to November. But the Indian GP's cancellation has opened up space, with Kazakhstan kicking off a triple-header alongside races in Indonesia and Japan.

Recently, Dorna has visited Sokol and Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, to ensure all needed infrastructures are ready. The inspections were positive, except for the long commute, as the circuit is about 75km from the residential areas of the city. It’s worth noting that Kazakhstan has been waiting for the inaugural MotoGP for the last two years. Going ahead if India fails to get a MotoGP there will be only 20 Grand Prix this year.