Dorna Sports has officially announced the return of the Indian MotoGP, set to take place at the Buddh International Circuit from 2025.
The announcement comes after a new three-year agreement was signed between Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP, and the Uttar Pradesh state government.
The new deal ensures that the Indian MotoGP will be a fixture on the racing calendar until 2027, following the cancellation of the originally scheduled 2024 race due to operational challenges.
The Indian Grand Prix made its debut in 2023 and was met with enthusiastic support from fans, showcasing the growing popularity of motorcycle racing in India. However, the event was dropped from the 2024 calendar due to operational challenges.
The new contract is a direct arrangement between Dorna Sports and the Uttar Pradesh government, specifically through ‘Invest UP’, the agency responsible for facilitating international investments in the state.
The previous deal with Fairstreet facilitated the 2023 race deal but was heavily criticised due to its lack of experience in hosting and producing events. It was reported that the company didn’t pay Dorna the full hosting fee for the 2023 race until the summer of this year, leaving India without a race on this year’s calendar.
Therefore, the new partnership aims to improve on the organization and promotion of the event, ensuring a more streamlined approach compared to previous efforts.
The new agreement not only reinstates the race but also emphasizes the importance of India as a key market for MotoGP due to its popularity and reach, alongside the nation’s heavy reliance on two-wheeled transportation.
“We’re very happy to announce this new agreement made directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh,” Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said.
“The inaugural Indian Grand Prix was a key success and brought an enormous amount of value to both MotoGP and our host region of UP, so it’s fantastic we are able to continue building that together into the future.
“India is an essential market for MotoGP, with a healthy, established audience for the racing, and one we know we can increase exponentially.
“There are also hundreds of millions of two-wheeled vehicles used across the country every day, making it vital for our manufacturers and for the sport itself thanks to MotoGP’s position as the pinnacle of two wheels.
“We’re very proud to work directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh to bring MotoGP™ back to India, and UP and Buddh International Circuit, for the next three seasons.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Secretary-cum-Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner, Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, stated what it means to bring India back to the calendar.
“Bringing MotoGP to Uttar Pradesh not only elevates our state on the global sports stage but also catalyzes substantial economic growth across tourism, hospitality, and associated sectors,” he said.
“This event will magnetize visitors worldwide, spotlighting Uttar Pradesh’s prowess in hosting world-class sporting extravaganzas.”
The Indian MotoGP is likely to be scheduled for March 2025, a strategic move that aims to avoid the adverse weather conditions that affected the previous race. This timing is anticipated to provide a better experience for both riders and spectators, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event.
The Buddh International Circuit, known for its challenging layout and modern facilities, will once again serve as the backdrop for this exciting race.
To further broaden the appeal of MotoGP in India, Eurosport, the official broadcaster of the event, has announced a new three-year agreement with Dorna.
The channel aims to captivate a wider audience by employing advanced broadcast technology and engaging programming. Eurosport India has also enlisted star cricketer Shikhar Dhawan to help promote the sport, leveraging his popularity to attract fans beyond the traditional motorsport community.
