MotoGP has announced it has agreed a new contract with the Uttar Pradesh state government to host the Indian Grand Prix from 2025, inking a three-year deal.
The new deal arrives after MotoGP official cancelled this year’s race, with MotoGP forming a new contract with Invest UP.
The previous deal with Fairstreet facilitated the 2023 race deal but was heavily criticised due to its lack of experience in hosting and producing events.
It was reported that Fairstreet didn’t pay Dorna the full hosting fee for the 2023 race until the summer of this year, leaving India without a race on this year’s calendar.
MotoGP believes India is a key market to operate a race weekend due to its popularity and reach, alongside India’s heavy reliance on two-wheeled transportation.
The report states that more than 100,000 fans went to the Buddh International Circuit for its inaugural showing in 2023, which further displays the endless potential of growing two-wheeled racing around one of the most populated countries in the world.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of 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 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.
“We’re very proud to work directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh to bring MotoGP™ back to India, and UP and Buddh International Circuit, for the next three seasons.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Secretary-cum-Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner, Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, stated what it means to bring India back to the calendar.
“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.”
