Kosport Magazine: Argentina GP Cancelled for Third Time in Recent Years
The 2024 MotoGP season was set to kick off with the Argentina GP at Termas de Rio Honda, but on January 31st, series promoter Dorna Sports officially announced its cancellation. This marks the third time in recent years that the race has been scrubbed from the schedule.
The decision was made due to harsh government spending cuts imposed by Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei. As the grand prix receives considerable public funding, it was unable to be staged.
Has the Argentina GP Been Cancelled Before?
This is not the first time the Argentina GP has faced cancellation. In 2020, the race was forced off the calendar due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. And in 2021, it could not be staged due to ongoing travel restrictions.
The only race to be held outside of Europe in 2021 was the Americas Grand Prix in Texas, which took place in October. The 2021 Argentina GP would have faced trouble even without the pandemic, as a major fire had wrecked the pit complex building earlier that year.
When Was the Last Argentina GP Staged?
The last time MotoGP raced in Argentina was in 2023, with VR46 Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi scoring his maiden victory. The event was also held in 2022, but was shortened to two days due to delays in freight arriving from Indonesia.
In 2022, Aprilia and Aleix Espargaro made history by scoring their first MotoGP victory at the Argentina GP. Prior to the 2020 and 2021 cancellations, the race had been held every year since 2014, when it returned to the calendar after a 15-year hiatus.
Who Has the Most Wins at the Argentina GP?
Due to the event’s sporadic appearances on the MotoGP calendar, no one rider has been completely dominant. Tom Phillis, Hugh Anderson, Mick Doohan, and Marc Marquez all have the most grand prix wins in the country at three, but only Doohan and Marquez’s wins were in the premier class.
MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has two grand prix wins in Argentina, one in the 250cc class in 1998 and one in the MotoGP class in 2015. When MotoGP returned to Argentina in 2014, Rossi was the only rider on the grid with previous experience in the country.
The first premier class winner of the Argentina GP was Argentinian Jorge Kissling in 1961, followed by countryman Benedictor Caldarella in 1962. Since its return in 2014, MotoGP wins have been shared between Marquez, Rossi, Maverick Vinales, Cal Crutchlow, Espargaro, and Bezzecchi.
How Long Will MotoGP Race in Argentina?
Argentina’s current deal with MotoGP organizer Dorna Sports runs until the end of 2025. However, due to the current governmental situation, it is uncertain if the race will be able to return next year.
Will the 2024 MotoGP Argentina GP Be Replaced?
Unfortunately, Dorna Sports announced on January 31st that the Argentina GP would not be replaced on the calendar. Originally scheduled for 22 rounds, the 2024 season will now only feature 21 events, still a record for the series if no further alterations are made.
In conclusion, the Argentina GP has faced numerous challenges in recent years, but it remains a beloved event on the MotoGP calendar. With its rich history and unpredictable races, it is sure to be missed in 2024.
