MotoGP postpones KymiRing race in Finland to 2019 season

Thailand's addition to the calendar in 2018 means the Finnish circuit, located in Iitti, will have to wait a year longer than planned for its debut MotoGP event.

The KymiRing, a 4.8km track with 15 corners, is the only circuit of its kind in Northern Europe, and organisers expected around 100,000 spectators in the event.

It has been designed by ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz's Test & Training company and is still under construction.

"It's a big pleasure to announce the agreement we have with KymiRing and the works are now underway," said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

"We will propose to the FIM to have Finland in the MotoGP calendar for 2019.

"This is a great day as it's so many years since the Imatra GP here in Finland and we are very proud to announce this new venue."

The deal means the world championship will visit Finland for the first time since 1982, when it hosted an event at the Imatra circuit.

"The five-year contract made with Dorna Sports has significant impact not only on Finnish motorsport but on the whole of Finland," added KymiRing chairman Kari O. Sohlberg.

"Finland has a good reputation as an organiser of big international events. A good example from the sporting side is the Neste Rally [World Rally Championship round] held last weekend.

"Good reputation, the Imatra GP and legendary drivers and riders in addition to long-term personal relationships have for sure been major facts when Dorna Sports has made the decision to bring back the Finnish GP."