MotoGP Bharat Returns In 2025 With UP-Dorna Deal

The Uttar Pradesh government has formally signed an agreement with Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holders of MotoGP, to host MotoGP Bharat at the Buddha International Circuit from 2025 to 2027. This partnership marks a significant development for the sport in India, with the prestigious event set to return to the country after a hiatus in 2024. The 2024 Bharat GP has been scrapped due to unfavorable weather conditions, particularly extreme temperatures and high humidity in the National Capital Region (NCR), which caused discomfort for riders and logistical issues during the previous year’s event held in September.

The new agreement outlines that the MotoGP Bharat race will take place in March each year, aligning with a more favorable weather window. This change is expected to enhance the experience for both riders and spectators. The decision to move the event to March reflects a strategic adjustment to avoid the sweltering conditions experienced in the prior year, when temperatures reached nearly 40 degrees Celsius with humidity levels around 80 percent. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports, highlighted the importance of India as a crucial market for MotoGP. He emphasized that India’s large and growing audience, along with its substantial number of two-wheeled vehicles, makes it a key location for the sport. This strategic move is intended to capitalize on India’s established interest in MotoGP and foster further growth. Notably, the new contract does not reference Fairstreet Sports, the previous local partner involved in the MotoGP’s entry into India. It remains uncertain whether they will continue to be involved or if a new local promoter will be appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government. The inaugural Bharat GP in 2023 was attended by over 100,000 spectators, demonstrating strong local interest in the event.