Local race promoters informed PTI on Tuesday that the India leg of the MotoGP championship, originally planned for September, has been rescheduled to March 2025.
Allegations suggesting that the race promoters had outstanding payments with Dorna, the rights holders, following last year’s inaugural round, had cast uncertainty over the scheduled second edition from September 20-22.
Nevertheless, following a meeting on Tuesday involving all stakeholders – Dorna, co-promoters Fairstreet Sports, and the Uttar Pradesh government – it was agreed to relocate the round to a date in March yet to be determined.
Fairstreet Sports CEO Pushkar Nath Srivastava informed PTI, “We collectively decided to move the race to March next year, aiming for the first or second week. All stakeholders, including Dorna, agreed that the September climate isn’t suitable for the race, posing challenges for riders and marshals, as observed last year.”
When questioned about any connection between the race postponement and outstanding payments, Srivastava explicitly stated, “No. All payments were being made periodically, and any remaining dues will be settled by next month. Therefore, unpaid dues weren’t a determining factor in rescheduling the race for next year. We also considered November, but it would have resulted in four consecutive races, which would have been demanding for both teams and riders.”
More than 50,000 enthusiasts flocked to the Buddh International Circuit for its inaugural race, filling about half of the venue.
Srivastava expressed optimism, stating, “We anticipate a greater turnout in March with improved weather conditions.”
The current season kicked off in Doha on March 10, leaving room for the India round to be scheduled for the following week.
Prior to the 2023 edition, Dorna and local promoters inked a seven-year deal to host the race in India.
The Uttar Pradesh government, previously a sponsor, has now elevated its role to co-promoter, raising prospects for the event’s long-term sustainability.
Marco Bezzecchi clinched victory at the 2023 MotoGP round in India, marking the country’s most significant motorsports event since the last Formula 1 race in 2013. Financial and taxation issues led to Formula 1’s departure after just three years in India.