MotoGP postpones Indian race until 2025

MotoGP has confirmed that the Indian Grand Prix will not take place in 2024, with the race being postponed until next year.

Confirmed:

• Buddh International Circuit will host MotoGP in March 2025
• The postponed Kazakhstan Grand Prix will now take place from 20th to 22nd September

Context:

The event promoter in India encountered financial issues, which led to several outstanding payments to MotoGP in the lead-up to the race. Dorna executives set a deadline of 20th May for these payments to be cleared, but the Uttar Pradesh government intervened in an attempt to save the race, which prolonged the final decision.

The move to postpone rather than cancel the race suggests the relationship between the circuit promoter and series organisers has been somewhat repaired, with many terse statements exchanged between the two while rumours of a cancellation swirled.

The postponement has given a slot on the calendar to the Kazakhstan Grand Prix, which was delayed until later in 2024 due to flooding. India’s new spot in March 2025 points to it being one of the first races of next season, although BlackBook Motorsport understands it will not be the season-opening race despite Qatar being pushed back due to religious holidays.

Comment:

A MotoGP statement read: ‘Following advice from the Government of Uttar Pradesh as the state continues its long-term commitment to MotoGP, the sport will return to Buddh International Circuit in March 2025, when weather conditions are expected to be optimal for spectators and riders alike.’

Coming next:

MotoGP next heads to Mugello Circuit in Italy for its seventh round of the season. The Italian Grand Prix takes place from 31st May to 2nd June.

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