It's official: MotoGP announces it will race in India next year

MotoGP on Friday confirmed that it will race in India from 2023, marking the return of a big ticket motorsport event in the country after Formula 1's departure nine years ago. The world's premier two-wheel racing championship will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, which staged Formula 1 from 2011 to 2013. Though MotoGP did not give a date in its official statement on 'Grand Prix of Bharat', PTI has learnt that is likely to be held in September or October.

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 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. 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. “We're very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar.

We have a lot of fans in India and we're excited to be able to bring the sport to them," Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said in a statement. "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.” UP CM Adityanath added: “It's a matter of great pride for Uttar