While official Dorna sources told Crash.net that “everything is still under negotiation” for the 2018 calendar; the “Bangkok Post” reported that a date had been set, with the meeting to run from October 5 to 7, at the Buriram circuit already used by World Superbikes.

It would slot in before the three existing flyaway races in Japan, Australia and Malaysia.

Reaction from riders at the pre-event press conference was mixed. Rossi opined that the current calendar was long enough. “I think 18 is already a good number. Going to 19 doesn’t change the world, but 18 is better.” He also complained that the Buriram circuit was dull, mainly comprising long straights, and in a remote location “far from everything”.

But the younger riders were more adventurous. Vinales said that “it’s always difficult, and with even more races even more difficult. But it’s good for the show, and with more points in the championship. I like to go to new places.”

Marquez concurred, although saying “I think 20 races will be the limit.”

Other candidates to join the calendar are Indonesia and Kazakhstan.

By Michael Scott

Rossi, Catalunya MotoGP 2017