MotoGP 2022 calendar reduced as Finland drops off

MotoGP’s planned debut at the new KymiRing track in Finland has been pushed back yet again, with the series’ 2022 calendar downsizing to 20 races.

The Kausala-based venue, opened in 2019, had two of its planned opportunities for a first MotoGP race scuppered by the COVID-19 pandemic – and will now have to wait at least a further year.

A joint statement from MotoGP’s governing body FIM, promoter Dorna and teams’ association IRTA read: “Homologation works at the KymiRing, together with the risks caused by the ongoing geopolitical situation in the region, have sadly obliged the cancellation of the Finnish Grand Prix in 2022.

“The current circumstances have created delays and put the ongoing work at the new circuit at risk.

“All parties have therefore agreed that the track’s debut must be postponed to 2023, when MotoGP looks forward to returning to Finland for the first time in four decades.”

The “geopolitical situation” factor is a reference to the ongoing war on Ukraine being waged by Finland’s neighbouring country Russia.

KymiRing, which has a five-year deal in place with MotoGP, was due to host its race on July 10, as the final event before the summer break.

That summer break is now to be considerably extended, spanning from the end-of-June Dutch TT at Assen to the early-August British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

However, the 20 races that now make up the calendar will still represent the largest-ever schedule in MotoGP history.