Delhi

MotoGP India: Dorna signs new deal directly with UP government

As part of the new agreement, MotoGP will return to the Buddh International Circuit for three seasons, from 2025 to 2027.

2 min read•31 Jul '24

Unnatee Gidithuri

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MotoGP India Buddh International Circuit

MotoGP is set to return to India next year, and now the championship’s commercial rights holder, Dorna, has signed a new contract directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh. The new deal confirms that the Indian GP will be held at the Buddh International Circuit for at least three years, 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, as part of a deal signed between Noida-based promoter Fairstreet Sports and Dorna. While the track itself was praised by riders, there were some operational issues. It also ended up being one of the most gruelling races on the 2023 calendar, with temperatures ranging from 32-35 degree Celsius and humidity levels above 80 percent. Despite this, MotoGP had confirmed an October slot for the Indian GP in 2024.

However, this year’s race was later cancelled “due to operational considerations”. At the time, reports suggested this was because Fairstreet Sports had not paid the full hosting fee to Dorna on time. But the organiser denied this, stating that Dorna was aware payments would be delayed due to the General Elections underway at the time. Nevertheless, it was mutually decided to cancel the 2024 race and push it to March 2025 due to weather concerns.

Interestingly, the new agreement makes no mention of Fairstreet Sports and it remains to be seen if the UP government will hire 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 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,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.

“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.”