2016 MotoGP calendar revealed - Red Bull Ring replaces Indianapolis
MotoGP will drop its Indianapolis round for 2016 to make way for the revival of the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring
The announcement was made as the provisional 2016 MotoGP calendar was unveiled during this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix at Misano.
Indianapolis has hosted MotoGP since 2008, using a modified version of the infield course originally created for Formula 1.
America hosted three MotoGP rounds in 2013, when Austin joined existing venues Indy and Laguna Seca.
But the loss of Laguna after that season increased the cost of the Indy round as the logistical burden could no longer be shared between the two tracks, which had briefly run back-to-back on the calendar.
MotoGP's desire to expand into new markets - with Austria returning and an event in Indonesia planned - also contributed to what an Indianapolis statement described as a "mutual decision" to drop the race.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J Douglas Boles said: "This outcome reflects the best interests of both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Dorna Sports.
"We are proud of our efforts to increase attendance in recent years and successfully host a truly international sporting and cultural event.
"We're also thankful to Dorna Sports for its strong support and partnership since 2008.
"However, the timing is right to pursue other opportunities that drive greater revenue for both the Speedway and our Central Indiana economy."
Austria rejoins the MotoGP calendar for the first time since 1997 with an August date paired with the Czech GP at Brno.
The other main calendar change is the British GP moving from this season's late-August date to July 17, three weeks after the 2016 F1 race at Silverstone.
Next season will be the second year of the Circuit of Wales's deal to host MotoGP, but with construction still to begin on the new venue the race will remain at Silverstone.
2016 MOTOGP CALENDAR
March 20: Qatar Grand Prix (Losail)
April 3: Argentinian Grand Prix (Termas de Rio Hondo)
April 10: Grand Prix of the Americas (Austin)
April 24: Spanish Grand Prix (Jerez)*
May 8: French Grand Prix (Le Mans)
May 22: Italian Grand Prix (Mugello)
June 5: Catalunya Grand Prix (Barcelona)
July 26: Dutch Grand Prix (Assen)
July 10: German Grand Prix (Sachsenring)
July 17: British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
August 14: Austrian Grand Prix (Red Bull Ring)
August 21: Czech Grand Prix (Brno)*
September 11: San Marino Grand Prix (Misano)
September 25: Aragon Grand Prix (Aragon)
October 9: Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang)
October 16: Japanese Grand Prix (Motegi)
October 23: Australian Grand Prix (Phillip Island)
November 6: Valencia Grand Prix (Valencia)
* subject to contract
Share Or Save This Story
Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on
Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
WRC Finland: Ogier in command after torrential rain shakes up order
New commercial rights holder announced for the WRC and ERC in landmark deal
The principles Stella holds dear at McLaren to make the F1 team tick
The challenge Haas faces in trying to meet F1 budget cap: "Fighting with both hands tied"
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments