Image: Supplied.

The Kazakhstan GP has been cancelled this year and will not be replaced on the 2023 MotoGP World Championship calendar, meaning the current series is now set to span 20 rounds.

MotoGP was initially scheduled to visit Kazakhstan in 2023 between 7-9 July for round nine, which was to mark the start of a five-year deal for the series to compete at the brand-new Sokol International Racetrack.

“The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports can confirm the cancellation of the 2023 Kazakhstan GP, ongoing homologation works at the circuit, paired with current global operational challenges, have obliged the cancellation of the 2023 event,” a statement from MotoGP read.

“MotoG looks forward to visiting Sokol International Racetrack in 2024 to welcome a new region to the calendar. The event will not be replaced in 2023.”

Kazakhstan was set to be the 30th country to host a motorcycle grand rrix, and the 74th venue to host a premier class GP, with its MotoGP debut now having to wait until 2024.

The 2023 MotoGP World Championship continues this weekend at Jerez, Spain, as Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) leads the field into the fourth round with an 11-point advantage over reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team).

2023 MotoGP World Championship calendar (provisional):
Rd1 – 24-26 MAR – Algarve International Circuit, Portugal
Rd2 – 31 MAR- 2 APR – Termas de Rio Hondo, Argentina
Rd3 – 14-16 APR – Circuit of the Americas, USA
Rd4 – 28-30 APR – Circuto de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Spain
Rd 5 – 12-14 MAY – Le Mans, France
Rd6 – 9-11 JUN – Autodromo del Mugello, Italy
Rd7 – 16-18 JUN – Sachsenring, Germany
Rd8 – 23-25 JUN – TT Circuit Assen, The Netherlands
Rd9 – 4-6 AUG – Silverstone Circuit, United Kingdom
Rd10 – 18-20 AUG – Red Bull Ring, Austria
Rd11 – 1-3 SEP – Catalunya, Spain
Rd12 – 8-10 SEP – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, San Marino
Rd13 – 22-24 SEP – Buddh International Circuit, India
Rd14 – 29 SEP – 1 OCT – Twin Ring Motegi, Japan
Rd15 – 13-15 OCT – Mandalika International Street Circuit, Indonesia
Rd16 – 20-22 OCT – Phillip Island, Australia
Rd17 – 27-29 OCT – Chang International Circuit, Thailand
Rd18 – 10-12 NOV – Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
Rd19 – 17-19 NOV – Lusail International Circuit, Qatar
Rd20 – 24-26 NOV – Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Spain