The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been dropped from the calendar for the 2016 MotoGP season following a mutual agreement between the circuit and series promoter Dorna.
The Indianapolis Grand Prix joined the MotoGP calendar in 2008 using a configuration similar to the street course used for Formula 1 between 2000 and 2007, albeit running in the opposite direction.
Marc Marquez claimed a fifth victory at the Brickyard last month, but there were doubts about the future of the race due to concerns from both Dorna and IMS officials.
In a statement issued on Friday accompanying the provisional 2016 calendar, it was confirmed that the Indianapolis Grand Prix had been dropped for next season.
“This outcome reflects the best interests of both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Dorna Sports,” IMS president J. Douglas Boles said.
“We are proud of our efforts to increase attendance in recent years and successfully host a truly international sporting and cultural event. We’re also thankful to Dorna Sports for its strong support and partnership since 2008.
“However, the timing is right to pursue other opportunities that drive greater revenue for both the Speedway and our Central Indiana economy.”
The loss of Laguna Seca from the MotoGP calendar in 2014 left Indianapolis as the sole North American event in the summer months, making it logistically difficult for the paddock to manage.
Its loss has allowed a race at Austria’s Red Bull Ring to be added to the calendar, and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta did not close the door on future races at IMS.
“Bringing MotoGP to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a tremendously rewarding experience,” Ezpeleta said. “The historic track, professional staff and welcoming host community produced an annual event that was enjoyed by all.
“While both sides recognize it’s the right time to pause this relationship, the door is not closed on future collaborations together should current circumstances change.”
As a result, the Grand Prix of America in Austin, Texas is now the only American round on the MotoGP calendar for 2016.
| Round | Date | Grand Prix | Venue |
| 1 | 20 March | Qatar | Losail International Circuit |
| 2 | 3 April | Argentina | Termas de Río Hondo |
| 3 | 10 April | Americas | Circuit Of The Americas |
| 4 | 24 April | Spain | Jerez de la Frontera |
| 5 | 8 May | France | Le Mans |
| 6 | 22 May | Italy | Mugello |
| 7 | 5 June | Catalunya | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya |
| 8 | 26 June | Netherlands | TT Assen |
| 9 | 10 July | Germany | Sachsenring |
| 10 | 17 July | Great Britain | Silverstone |
| 11 | 14 August | Austria | Red Bull Ring |
| 12 | 21 August | Czech Republic | Brno |
| 13 | 11 September | San Marino | Misano |
| 14 | 25 September | Aragon | MotorLand Aragon |
| 15 | 9 October | Malaysia | Sepang International Circuit |
| 16 | 16 October | Japan | Twin Ring Motegi |
| 17 | 23 October | Australia | Phillip Island |
| 18 | 6 November | Valencia | Comunitat Valenciana - Ricardo Tormo |