India’s MotoGP Return in 2025 Looks Unlikely Amid Financial Challenges
Eliška Ryšánková
News.GP journalist who’s all about the thrilling worlds of MotoGP and Formula 1.
India's hopes of rejoining the MotoGP calendar in 2025 are fading as local authorities face difficulties securing financial backing for the event. Despite previous plans to hold the race at the Buddh International Circuit, challenges in organization and timing make it increasingly unlikely the Indian Grand Prix will go ahead.
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India's chances of rejoining the MotoGP calendar in 2025 are not looking good, just ahead of the official release of next year's schedule.
The Buddh International Circuit, located near Delhi, made its MotoGP debut in 2023 but was absent from this year’s championship, despite being listed in the initial schedule.
In a very unusual announcement, both Dorna and Fairstreet Sports stated that the reason for canceling the race, originally planned for September, was the weather conditions.
In May, MotoGP released a statement saying, "The FIM, IRTA, and Dorna Sports announce that the Indian Grand Prix will not take place in 2024, with MotoGP postponing its return to early 2025 due to operational considerations."
The statement added, "Following advice from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, which remains committed to MotoGP long-term, the sport will return to Buddh International Circuit in March 2025, when weather conditions will be ideal for both spectators and riders."
Two months later, Dorna revealed that a new contract had been signed with Invest UP, an investment agency tied to the Uttar Pradesh Government. The three-year deal, which extends until 2027, replaced Fairstreet as the event’s promoter.
It now seems likely that the Indian circuit will not be on the 2025 calendar, as it is rumored that local authorities have struggled to secure the necessary financial backing to organize the event. On top of that, with the calendar needing to be finalized soon, it seems increasingly doubtful that an agreement will be made to postpone the Indian event.
For 2025, it is already confirmed that the season opener will be held in Buriram during the first weekend of March. Then, it is expected that the racing will continue in Argentina, followed by Austin, with all three races taking place in March.
From late April to September, the season should take place on European circuits before moving to an Asian tour with two back-to-back races. The season is expected to end in mid-November in Valencia, as always, a week after the Portimao race, which will also be included in the calendar.
