The Lusail International Circuit will undergo major renovation work in late 2022 and into 2023, to upgrade facilities and parking.
As a result, it will give up its position as the first race of the MotoGP season, and will instead be pushed back to the end of the year.
With Qatar no longer being the first race of 2023, this greatly increases the likelihood of Phillip Island becoming the first race of the season.
There were rumors in 2019 that Dorna was considering a 2021 start date, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put those plans on hold. Those plans include having the season start on Phillip Island, instead of Qatar, and this would be the ideal opportunity to try this.
Previously, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, which runs both F1 and MotoGP races in Australia, opposed such a move, but is believed to have dropped its objection a few years ago and is ready to reschedule the race. Phillip Island to the top of the year.
One possible complication is the pre-season test schedule. Testing is set to be limited to just eight official test days for 2023, starting with the usual 3-day test in Sepang, followed by another 2-day test before kick-off. five.
Officials had told me earlier that the two-day test would take place in Qatar, but that could be complicated if the Lusail International Circuit is under renovation.
The second test will either have to be moved to a European track – most likely Jerez – or held in Sepang again. Given the cost of transportation, keeping bikes and gear in Sepang seems like the most likely option.
This looks like the prelude to a broader calendar reshaping from 2023. There has been much criticism of the crowded 2022 calendar, with 21 races crammed together to create difficult travel schedules. towel, in some cases.
Another sign is the extension of the contract between Motorland Aragon and Dorna, under which they agree to organize three races between 2022 and 2026.
This is part of an ongoing process to reduce the number of rounds in Spain, with plans to host three races on the Iberian peninsula in the coming years.
That means those 3 races will alternate between Jerez, Valencia, Aragon, Barcelona and Portimão. This then opens the door to more races at new tracks outside of Europe.
Photo: © 2021 Opposite photo / KTM – All rights reserved
