The cancellation of the Grand Prix of Ukraine has left a gap in August for the 16th round of 18 in the FIM Motocross World Championship and according to the latest talk in the paddock there are three territories that could fill the vacancy on the 2014 calendar.
We have good information that rumours about a return trip to Losail in Qatar are accurate and another evening event is one of the possibilities. Youthstream ‘top brass’ have also allegedly spoken about the option of removing the empty date altogether from the schedule.
The Ukrainian fixture was annulled two weeks ago in the wake of the political and social upheaval in the country. Donetsk, where the Grand Prix was due to be staged, is close to the Crimean border.
A second journey to Qatar brings logistical concerns for the Grand Prix teams with another unanticipated flyaway as well as the unbearable summer temperatures (although the racing would be a nocturnal affair once more), even if the set-up at Losail and in Doha itself is fairly straightforward.
Gossip is already circulating that the track would be changed to offer a different racing challenge and it is known that the Qatari Federation – the QMMF – are already considering the installation of yet more lighting facilities for the MX circuit. Apparently authorisation from the Qatari State and government is pending so that Losail can again be used for MXGP in 2014
Qatar would join Brazil and Italy as the countries to entertain two events on the 2014 slate. Although one sticking point for the August 17 meeting is the questions marks still surrounding the location of the Grand Prix of Belgium.
Negotiations to stage the race at Lommel are taking place but the GP could also be switched a week later to August 10 to coincide with the Junior World Championship at Lierneux-Bastogne which would make getting bikes and material to Losail on the 17 an impossibility.
According to Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo a decision will be made on the ‘TBA’ Grand Prix in one month.
Youthstream are known to be talking with promoters in the USA, Japan and New Zealand for 2015 while a Grand Prix in Goa, India is expected to be announced at the British Grand Prix next month if the Goan authorities receive approval on extra land requirements and a purchase option.
