India will stage a MotoGP race for the first time in 2024, MotoGP announced on Friday, at the same track that once hosted Formula One.
Top officials from MotoGP’s commercial rights holder Dorna had visited India earlier this month to sign a seven-year MoU with Indian race promoters Fairstreet Sports (FSS).
They had also held meetings with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
The race is scheduled to take place at Buddh International Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, to the south of New Delhi.
The FSS had announced that a MotoGP round will be held next year but Dorna MD Carlos Ezpeleta did not commit to a time frame considering the complexities surrounding a season’s calendar. Friday’s announcement from MotoGP makes the picture much clearer.
Though MotoGP did not give a date in its official statement on the ‘Grand Prix of Bharat’, PTI has learnt that is likely to be held in September or October.
The track will need to be homologated before the mega event which is expected to be a formality considering it has already hosted Formula 1.
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Top Officials express elation at the return of MotoGP to India
Top minister and officials have expressed their delight in the return of the much awaited MotoGP in India.
Mr Anurag Thakur, Union Sports Minister, Government of India said, “It’s a historical day for the sporting industry and tribute to the 75th year of India’s celebration.”
Mr Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh said, “It’s a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a global event. Our government will provide full support to MotoGP Bharat.”
Mr Nand Gopal “Nandi”, Cabinet Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “This event will provide a major impetus to the economy by generating an influx of foreign investment in the state.”
Pushkar Nath Srivastava, COO, Fairstreet Sports said, “We are thrilled to get MotoGP into India and host this prestigious race. It’s a matter of pride that we are bringing this event on Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said, “We’re very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2024 calendar. We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them. India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world. We very much look forward to racing at Buddh International Circuit and can’t wait to welcome the fans through the gates to see this incredible sport in person.”
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