There is a reason experienced MotoGP followers say that the season only really starts in Jerez. For decades, Jerez has been one of the first races of the season, and the first race back on European soil once the series returns from the opening rounds overseas.
Secondly, and much more significantly, because Jerez is much more representative of the track layout and conditions of the other European tracks, which is where MotoGP spends the bulk of its time. If you are fast at Jerez, you are fast everywhere. Buriram, Goiânia, Austin, on the other hand, are nothing like most European circuits.
The punishing tropical heat of Thailand and long straights need a special tire to cope with the demands of racing there. The heat is an issue in Brazil as well, though sudden sinkholes and the surface coming apart were perhaps a bigger problem. Austin is long, wide, fast, and bumpy, though at least you can use the standard Michelin tires there.
