The Bharat Grand Prix of MotoGP will not take place in 2025. The much-awaited event has yet again been postponed to 2026 due to “operational circumstances,” as confirmed by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), International Road-Racing Teams Association (IRTA), and Dorna Sports. Initially scheduled for September 2024, the Bharat GP was first pushed to March 2025, and now it has been further delayed, with organisers aiming for an early 2026 date.
The three-day event, which drew more than 1 lakh spectators in its 2023 debut at the Buddh International Circuit, has been designated as a reserve event for next year’s calendar, indicating a possibility of its inclusion depending on scheduling adjustments.The decision to delay the event was made after organisers struggled to secure an appropriate date on the 2025 calendar, and with no remaining available slots later in the season, the race was pushed to 2026.
MotoGP Bharat Grand Prix a no-go for 2025: Disappointment for fans
The postponement is a blow to motorsport fans in India, who had hoped to see the sport return sooner. The 2023 event was a huge success, with Marco Bezzecchi of Italy winning the inaugural race, which was shortened by three laps due to the sweltering heat and humidity. The event marked India’s largest motorsport gathering since the last Formula 1 race at the same circuit in 2013.
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MotoGP Bharat GP: Looking ahead
The stakeholders, including Dorna and UP Government’s InvestUP agency, are working together to establish a world-class event, and a fresh tender has been issued to bring in a new co-promoter to help execute the Grand Prix. The event is estimated to cost approximately Rs 160 crores, with around Rs 100 crores allocated for rights holders, Dorna.
In July 2024, a new agreement was signed between Dorna Sports and the Uttar Pradesh government, securing a three-year contract for MotoGP races at Buddh International Circuit from 2025 to 2027. While the 2025 race will not proceed as initially planned, the collaboration between MotoGP and Indian authorities is laying the groundwork for a long-term presence in the country.