2025 MotoGP India race called off; return delayed until 2026

The Indian GP’s return has been delayed by another year, with organisers confirming the race has been dropped from the 2025 MotoGP calendar. An official statement shared by the championship’s commercial rights holder Dorna cites “operational circumstances” as the reason for the latest delay, adding that organisers are working to hold the event in early-2026.

1. Indian GP will only be a reserve event on 2025 MotoGP calendar
2. Organisers working on 2026 return
3. Dorna recently signed a new deal with UP government

“Operational circumstances have obliged the event to be delayed from its initial slot near the start of the 2025 calendar. With no available dates towards the end of the season, MotoGP will therefore return to India in the early stages of 2026,” read the full statement.

“Both MotoGP and Invest UP are working hard to bring MotoGP back to Buddh International Circuit with a world-class event, and are committed to confirming India as a destination for global sporting events.”

Organisers remain tight-lipped about the reasons for the latest delay. However, recent reports suggest local authorities were unable to secure the required financial support in time.

MotoGP made its India debut in 2023, and while there were some operational issues and extreme temperatures, the Buddh International Circuit itself was widely praised by riders. The race was part of the initial 2024 calendar, but was later cancelled and pushed to March 2025 due to weather concerns.

At the time, reports suggested this was because promoter Fairstreet Sports had not paid the full hosting fee to Dorna on time. But Fairstreet Sports denied this, stating that Dorna was aware payments would be delayed due to the General Elections that were underway. 

As recently as July 2024, Dorna signed a new three-year contract directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh, removing Fairstreet Sports from its role as promoter. Invest UP, the investment agency of the Uttar Pradesh government, issued a tender in August 2024 to find a new promoter for the race. Bizarrely, this tender was later cancelled and re-issued in September. But with increasing pressure to announce the 2025 MotoGP calendar, it appears the decision was made to push the Indian GP to 2026.

Instead, the Buddh International Circuit will be added as a reserve outing on next year’s schedule.

2025 MotoGP calendar (provisional)