It seems that the Portuguese GP has secured its spot in MotoGP until 2026, following weeks of uncertainty regarding the event’s future. However, with new Grands Prix joining the schedule and the calendar nearing its maximum capacity, some races may not return in 2025.
Originally, the MotoGP calendar had 22 rounds, the maximum allowed. The Emilia Romagna GP, which concluded yesterday, replaced the canceled Kazakhstan and India GPs, creating a second race in Misano after the San Marino GP. However, it’s certain that there will not be two GPs in Misano again, as this was only a temporary solution.
Next year’s calendar introduces several new events: the Czech and Hungarian GPs are confirmed, and the contracts for the three canceled 2024 GPs – Argentina, Kazakhstan, and India – are still valid. If all the GPs from this year are retained along with these new additions, the total would rise to 24, exceeding the limit of 22 rounds.
Thus, sacrifices may need to be made. The most obvious candidates for cuts are the four rounds in Spain. A rotation system has already been considered if necessary, and last year, the Aragon GP was left out. In 2025, this could potentially happen to Jerez, Barcelona, or Valencia if needed.
There are also Grands Prix without contracts for 2025: the Americas, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia. Among these, Indonesia seems most at risk, since MotoGP aims to expand in the U.S., Japan is a key market, and Malaysia has even already confirmed pre-season testing.
However, Indonesia is a significant market for the motorcycle industry and has heavily invested in the Mandalika circuit, so it’s unlikely to be excluded. Argentina, on the other hand, may be more vulnerable. The country is facing financial difficulties, which led to the cancellation of its 2024 race.
Kazakhstan remains unprepared despite being on the calendar since 2023 – meaning it could follow the fate of Finland and the KymiRing, which never materialized after many delays. And India could have been a fleeting presence in MotoGP: the reasons behind the cancellation in 2024 were attributed to vague operational issues, and it brings to mind the case of Formula 1, which faced several problems and didn’t stay in the country for more than three years.