MotoGP agrees new deal to retain Indian GP until 2027

MotoGP has agreed a new deal to retain the Indian Grand Prix on the schedule beyond this season.

Contract:

• MotoGP will return to the Buddh International Circuit on a three-year deal after this year’s race was postponed
• New agreement is signed directly with the Uttar Pradesh government

Context:

After debuting in 2023, the Indian Grand Prix has experienced numerous difficulties. The inaugural event was poorly promoted and suffered from a low attendance, but this year’s race couldn’t even be held after the event promoter ran into financial difficulties.

The Uttar Pradesh government attempted to intervene to save this year’s race, but has now taken over the entire operation in a bid to ensure smooth sailing from now. This year’s race was postponed until March 2025, but it is unclear if this new agreement changes this original plan as it was agreed with a different promoter.

Comment:

Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, said: “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 [Uttar Pradesh], 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 [Uttar Pradesh] and Buddh International Circuit, for the next three seasons.”

Coming next:

MotoGP returns to action this weekend with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit from 2nd to 4th August.

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