MotoGP postpones Indian Grand Prix until 2026

• Grand Prix has faced numerous issues since debuting in 2023
• Race switches to a reserve event for 2025

MotoGP has postponed the Indian Grand Prix until 2026, just one month after announcing a new three-year deal for the race.

BlackBook Motorsport was told the race was unlikely to go ahead as organisers had not followed through on promises made in the contract, and this has proven to be the case.

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 event, but has now taken over the entire operation in a bid to ensure smooth sailing. This year’s race was postponed until March 2025, falling under a new agreement with the Utter Pradesh government.

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A statement from MotoGP read: ‘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.’

When the race was announced, Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, said: “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.”