Laguna Seca dropped from 2014 MotoGP schedule

Laguna Seca has lost its slot on the MotoGP world championship for 2014.

As was first reported by MCN in mid-August, the California venue will be dropped from the calendar, despite having a contract for next season.

Laguna Seca, which features the world famous Corkscrew section, has been on the MotoGP schedule since 2005.

But there will no longer be three US races on the calendar, with Indianapolis and the new Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas remaining.

A statement read: “For 25 years, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has served as the “home” for Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, having staged 15 world championship Grands Prix since 1988.

“Unfortunately, and in spite of loyal support from fans, sponsors and media, there will not be a 16th U.S’ Grand Prix in 2014.

“At this time, the U.S. is only able to support two MotoGP events. The support provided by the states of Texas and Indiana make it difficult for us, as a not-for-profit, to currently compete.

“Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca extends its gratitude to all those whose combined efforts made the U.S. Grand Prix such an iconic event; it took all of you – fans, sponsors, motorcycle community, media, volunteers and, not the least, Dorna Sports.

“Our pledge to you is to work diligently to return the MotoGP World Championship to Monterey, Calif., in the very near future.”

The provisional 2014 MotoGP calendar is expected to be released tomorrow (Wednesday) and will feature the Argentina round at the new Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo.

A new track in Brazil will also be pencilled in for the end of the season and could extend the current format from 18 to 19 races. The Brazil race though will be subject to a series of strict construction deadlines before it is decided whether to postpone a return to the South American country until 2015.