MotoGP India: Dorna's New Agreement with Uttar Pradesh Government
7/31/2024 • Bengaluru, India • News
MotoGP is returning to India with a new three-year deal directly signed with the Uttar Pradesh government, ensuring the Indian GP will be hosted at the Buddh International Circuit from 2025 to 2027.
MotoGP India: Dorna's New Agreement with Uttar Pradesh Government
MotoGP is set to return to India next year, with the championship’s commercial rights holder, Dorna, signing a new contract directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh. This new agreement confirms that the Indian GP will be held at the Buddh International Circuit for a minimum of three years, spanning from 2025 to 2027.
- Indian GP to return in March 2025
- New three-year deal signed from 2025-2027
MotoGP made its India debut in 2023 through a deal with Noida-based promoter Fairstreet Sports. Although the track received high praise from riders, there were notable operational issues. The race in 2023 turned out to be one of the most challenging on the calendar, with temperatures ranging between 32-35 degrees Celsius and humidity exceeding 80 percent. In spite of these conditions, MotoGP had confirmed an October slot for the Indian GP in 2025.
Unfortunately, this year’s race was later canceled “due to operational considerations.” Reports indicated this cancellation might have stemmed from Fairstreet Sports not paying the full hosting fee to Dorna on time. However, the organizer refuted this claim, explaining that Dorna was aware of the delayed payments due to the General Elections occurring at the time. Ultimately, it was mutually decided to push the 2024 race to March 2025 due to concerns regarding weather.
Interestingly, the new agreement does not reference Fairstreet Sports, leaving it uncertain whether the UP government will select a new promoter. “We’re very happy to announce this new agreement made directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh. The inaugural Indian Grand Prix was a key success and brought significant 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,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.
“India presents an essential market for MotoGP, possessing a well-established audience for racing, and we are confident this audience can increase exponentially. Additionally, hundreds of millions of two-wheeled vehicles are utilized across the country daily, making it crucial for our manufacturers and the sport itself due to MotoGP’s status as the pinnacle of two wheels.”
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Kritika Janak
Cars, Bikes & Scooter aren't just my job – they're my life's obsession.