MotoGP to continue racing in Thailand until 2031

MotoGP will continue racing in Thailand after an extension was agreed with Chang International Circuit.

Key details:

• Five-year extension will commence from the 2027 season
• Deals keeps MotoGP in Thailand until at least 2031

Context:

Thailand served as the season-opening race for the first time this year and will keep that slot in 2026. However, the new deal will not include this privilege as it is part of Qatar’s contract with MotoGP. The race in the Middle East was moved out of its agreed season-opening position due to a conflict with Ramadan.

The Bangkok Post reported in March that the Thai government looked set to pull funding for the Thailand Grand Prix after the 2026 race, so priorities appear to have shifted behind the scenes.

Dr Gongsak Yodmani, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, has stated that the organisation’s goal is to establish the country as a “regional motorsport hub,” with this event playing a key role. There are also rumours that a Formula One street race will be held on the streets of Bangkok starting in 2028.

Comment:

“Since we first went to Buriram in 2018, the Thai GP has only grown into a more and more important – and impressive – event,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP. “The grandstands are always full of fans, the racing is always a fantastic show, and the extra fan entertainment on site create a very well-rounded weekend for the often record crowds we enjoy at the venue.

“Thailand and South East Asia are key for MotoGP. Our sport is already popular with a sizeable audience and there remains so much potential for us to grow even more. We’re very happy to continue working on that mission with the Sports Authority of Thailand and all the fantastic personnel who make the event such a success.”

Go deeper:

• Five key questions for MotoGP now Liberty Media takeover is done
• Mics Out podcast: Dan Rossomondo on MotoGP’s Liberty takeover