The Argentine leg of the MotoGP motorbike tournament, due to be held at Termas de Rio Hondo from April 5 to 7, has been cancelled due to the "current circumstances" in the country, MotoGP organiser Dorna announced on Wednesday.
"Due to the current environment in Argentina, the promoter of the event has communicated that it is currently unable to guarantee the services necessary for the Grand Prix to be held in 2024 according to MotoGP standards," Dorna explained in a joint statement with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
"This event will not be replaced in the 2024 calendar," which will feature 21 races. "MotoGP hopes to return to Termas de Río Hondo in 2025," the text added.
Rumours of the event's cancellation had circulated since the victory of libertarian President Javier Milei in last year's election.
The La Libertad Avanza leader has implemented severe austerity measures and reduced public spending since taking office.
The Argentine Grand Prix, which received significant public aid, was to celebrate 10 years since its appearance on the world motorcycling calendar this season.
Former Argentine rally driver Orlando Terranova, owner of OSD, the company that organises the race in Argentina, attributed the cancellation to the ack of response from the Milei government over funding questions.
"We, along with the provincial government [of Santiago del Estero, where Termas de Rio Hondo is located], have done everything possible to try to get the national government to listen to us, to respond and to give some kind of sign of compliance with the contract," Terranova told the local El Liberal newspaper. "We haven't been able to get any kind of response."
Milei only appointed veteran Peronist official Daniel Scioli as his Tourism, Environment and Sport secretary on Tuesday, despite taking office on December 10.
According to Terranova, his firm, sponsors and the Santiago del Estero provincial government provided vital funds needed to stage the competition.
"Everything was sold and unfortunately we have had no coordination from Customs, Intercargo [an airport service], Gendarmerie [Border Guards], nor the economic contribution. Given the lack of response, the worst decision was taken," Terranova explained.
Organisers have halted the sale of tickets for the competition, which ranged from 150,000 (US$172 dollars) to 2.9 million pesos (US$3,300). Those sold will be returned or can be held over for the "2025 edition of MotoGP in Argentina," said the event's website.
–TIMES/AFP
Comments