Changes to the 2005 MotoGP calendar - February 18th 2005

Today, February 18, the FIM released the following details regarding changes to the 17 round 2005 MotoGP World Championship.

Following the absence of a signed contract between event organizers, the Rio Grand Prix has been cancelled. The Portuguese Grand Prix, which was initially due to be run on October 23, will now fill the void left in the calendar by the former Brazilian event, due to be held on April 17.

As a result a new addition will feature on the 2005 calendar with the Turkish Grand Prix confirmed for October 23. The second last race of the year will be held on the new circuit in Istanbul.

The revised 2005 MotoGP World Championship calendar:

1. April 10 - Spain, Jerez de la Frontera
2. April 17 - Portugal, Estoril
3. May 1 - China, Shanghai
4. May 15 - France, Le Mans
5. June 5 - Italy, Mugello
6. June 12 - Catalunya, Catalunya
7. June 25 - Netherlands, Assen
8. July 10 - United States, Laguna Seca
9. July 24 - Great Britain, Donington Park
10. July 31 - Germany, Sachsenring
11. August 28 - Czech Rep, Brno
12. September 18 - Japan, Motegi
13. September 25 - Malaysia, Sepang
14. October 1 - Qatar, Doha
15. October 16 - Australia, Phillip Island
16. October 23 - Turkey, Istanbul
17. November 6 - Valencia, Ricardo Tormo