The 2024 MotoGP Argentinian Grand Prix is officially cancelled, as reported by MotoGP itself.
The confirmation of the cancellation comes after rumours began to swirl last weekend of the event’s uncertain future. Its cancellation was confirmed earlier this afternoon in a statement from MotoGP, which blamed “the current circumstances in Argentina” and confirmed the race would not be replaced on this year’s calendar but did not rule out a 2025 return.
In full, the statement reads: “The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports confirm the cancellation of the 2024 Argentina GP.
“Due to the current circumstances in Argentina, the Promoter of the event has communicated that it is currently unable to guarantee the services required for the Grand Prix to take place in 2024 at MotoGP standards.
“This event will not be replaced on the 2024 calendar. MotoGP hopes to return to race at Termas de Rio Hondo in 2025.”
The reason for the Argentinian cancellation is the fundamental economic policy of the new Argentinian President Javier Milei, who began his presidency of the country on 10 December 2023. Since then, he has cut the number of government ministries from 18 to nine after campaigning on policies of major economic reforms to the country, whose economy has seen a significant decline in recent years, with the Argentinian peso’s value falling dramatically and inflation soaring as a result (currently 211 per cent).
Argentina’s current sovereign debt is estimated to be over $400 billion (around £315 billion).
The poor state of Argentina’s economy was the reason for the relatively radical Milei’s election, and his idea to rescue the dire economic situation is, in basic terms, to significantly reduce public spending, including on sporting events, which is why the MotoGP race has been cancelled.
The MXGP of Argentina, scheduled for 9-10 March, is also rumoured to be cancelled, but this has not yet been confirmed.
It should be noted that it was under the government of Mr. Milei’s predecessor that last year’s WorldSBK round at San Juan was cancelled. In that case, there was a replacement, and the season finale took place at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto.
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