MotoGP Scrap Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009

It seems the MotoGP will not only have a bike missing from their usual lineup – as Kawasaki will only compete with a single bike in 2009 – but also a circuit. According to the latest press reports from Hungary, it seems the Hungarian officials have urged MotoGP promoter Dorna to postpone the race until 2010.

The reason, of course, was the lack of funds. It seems the actual construction of the Balatonring – future host of the Hungarian Grand Prix – was delayed due to the lack of approximately 200 million Euros of funding.

With the payments being delayed and the Hungarian winter making the circuit construction further difficult, it was believed that the initial finalization term – autumn 2009 – would not be reached. As a result of that, Dorna have approved the postponement of the race – scheduled for September 20th – until 2010.

The Spanish Worldwide Circuit Management have agreed to introducing a date for a Hungarian event in the MotoGP schedule due to the popularity points the sport has gained in the region thanks to 125cc world champion Gabor Talmacsi. As a result of the postponement, next year's calendar will have only 17 event. No information on a potential revision of some 2009 dates has been disclosed.

The news comes as a blow for Dorna, who have recently committed to another Grand Prix in Eastern Europe, in Bulgaria. In late February, the MotoGP promoter have confirmed the introduction of the Bulgarian Grand Prix from as early as 2012.