Image: Supplied.

Plans for the MXGP World Championship to visit Australia are still a work in progress following speculation earlier this year, despite the country missing out on a spot on the 2020 calendar.

The official 2020 MXGP schedule was released last week, although Australia was evidently absent from the 20-event calendar after it was revealed in March that Dirt High Promotions’ Willie Thompson, promoter of the Manjimup 15,000, was working on bringing the world championship to Western Australia next season.

While unable to make an official comment on the state of an Australian grand prix when contacted by MotoOnline.com.au, Thompson did indicate he’s continuing to pursue the endeavour, with the goal now deferred to 2021.

It’s understood hosting a round of the MXGP requires significant funding that could only feasibly be provided by the government, which is currently proving to be a major hurdle for the parties involved. The WA government has previously supported global motorsport events, including both the World Rally Championship and Red Bull Air Race – both of which are no longer held in the state.

The MXGP World Championship will travel all across Europe in 2020, along with visiting Argentina, Indonesia, China and Turkey.