Indian Round of MotoGP Championship Postponed to 2026 On Account of Operational Issues

The Indian round of the MotoGP championship, one of the most eagerly awaited races on the calendar, has been delayed for a second time and is now set to take place in 2026 based on "operating circumstances." Initially set for September 2023, the event was then moved to March 2025 but has been moved yet further to early 2026. Organisers, comprising Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, International Road-Racing Teams Association, and Dorna Sports, said that the Indian Grand Prix would be the reserve event for 2025 and officially return to the MotoGP calendar in 2026.

Delays and challenges

The MotoGP event is India's most significant motor sport show since the last Formula 1 ended way back in 2013 after failing due to financial and taxation problems. Highly expected to be a watershed for India, successive delays have kept the fans on tenterhook instead.

Dorna Sports, together with the Uttar Pradesh government, as well as co-promoters Fairstreet Sports, have been working very hard to bring back the Indian GP following a postponement of the event to 2025. It was however postponed again due to unforeseen operational challenges. According to MotoGP organizers one of the reasons for shifting the event to early 2026 is that there are very few slots left at the end of 2025.

New partnership and future plans

Dorna Sports recently signed a new agreement with the agency of Uttar Pradesh Government, InvestUP, to host the Indian Grand Prix from 2025 to 2027. MotoGP and InvestUP have partnered together in creating India as a global hub for sporting events.

The Uttar Pradesh government has floated a fresh tender to introduce a new co-promoter. The event will consume about ₹160 crores, which would be completely used up in ensuring rights holders Dorna Sports ₹100 crores.

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Future plans

Despite the delay, both fans and organisers will welcome the future of Indian MotoGP. Foundations are strong as laid through the partnership between MotoGP and InvestUP, and India still stands as a world-class host of an event at the Buddh International Circuit. Return of the MotoGP event in 2026 and the excitement of MotoGP will once again be felt here in India.

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