The 2023 MotoGP calendar is being developed with some unknowns regarding the number of its events since the idea of a Finnish Grand Prix went bankrupt, figuratively, and soon no doubt literally. But what is already certain is that the next campaign will begin by making history by starting no longer in Qatar but in Europe. A first since 2006 and a great first for Portugal and its Portimao route.
Since 2007 and the installation of the Qatar Grand Prix at Losail as the first event of the championship, first during the day, then under the spotlights, it has always been said that we had to wait until the return to Europe to truly gauge the forces present in MotoGP. A posture which will not apply in 2023 since hostilities will begin on this same old continent. The last time this happened was at Jerez in 2006, with the victory of Loris Capirossi.
Why is Qatar failing after 17 years of opening the MotoGP season?
If Europe regains the honors of the start, for the Portugal, on the other hand, it will be unheard of. And yet, it is the Portimao route which will host the opening of the season of 24 at 26 March 2023. A boon, too, for the first travel costs of the teams since official pre-season tests will also be organized at Portimao in the weeks leading up to the event, the dates of which will be confirmed soon.
But actually, why Qatar is he thus failing after 17 years of loyalty? Because the Losail circuit will not be ready to welcome the opening of the MotoGP because of redevelopment work that the track and paddock will undergo after summer. Its leaders hope that the said work will be completed by the second half of the 2023 season. Qatar Grand Prix will therefore have a new date next year. We will possibly expect it in October. To be continued…
