In an exciting development for motorsport enthusiasts, the MotoGP Indian Grand Prix will return in 2025. This comes following a new agreement between Dorna Sports and the Uttar Pradesh government’s Invest UP, securing the annual hosting of the event at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from 2025 to 2027.
Three-Year Contract Secured for MotoGP in India
The agreement ensures that MotoGP will be a fixture in India for the next three years, with races scheduled until 2027. The Indian Grand Prix will make its comeback to the Buddh International Circuit in March 2025. This move builds on the success of the inaugural race held in 2023 and aims to boost both MotoGP’s popularity and India’s motorcycle industry.
Overcoming Challenges from the 2023 Indian Grand Prix
The 2023 Indian Grand Prix was a thrilling event, with riders praising the newly resurfaced Buddh International Circuit. However, the September race date brought significant challenges due to extreme heat in the Delhi-NCR region. Several race marshals collapsed from heatstroke, and the main race had to be shortened. The intense conditions even led Jorge Martin to unzip his suit during the final lap to combat dehydration.
Official Statements on the New Agreement
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary-cum-Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized the monumental significance of this agreement. “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. This event will magnetize visitors worldwide, spotlighting Uttar Pradesh’s prowess in hosting world-class sporting extravaganzas.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, expressed his enthusiasm: “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. 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.”
MotoGP: About Buddh International Circuit (BIC)
The Buddh International Circuit, located in Greater Noida, spans 4.96 kilometers and features thirteen turns—eight right and five left. It boasts one of the longest straights in MotoGP, measuring 1,006 meters and divided into uphill and downhill sections. Originally, the MotoGP race was set to cover a distance of 118.97 kilometers over 24 laps, but extreme climate conditions in 2023 led to a reduction in race length.
In the inaugural MotoGP India race, Marco Bezzecchi of VR46 emerged victorious, with Jorge Martín finishing a close second and Fabio Quartararo rounding out the podium. With these updates, the Buddh International Circuit joins a select group of tracks capable of hosting both Formula One and MotoGP races. Other tracks in this elite group include the Circuit of the Americas in the United States, the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
CONCLUSION
The MotoGP Indian Grand Prix’s return in 2025 will be a landmark event, bringing global attention to the Buddh International Circuit and boosting the local economy. With a three-year agreement in place, fans can look forward to thrilling races and a strengthened presence of MotoGP in India. This partnership not only highlights the importance of the Indian market for MotoGP but also showcases Uttar Pradesh’s capability to host world-class sporting events.
