MotoGP signs new agreement for Indian Grand Prix return

Dropped from this year’s schedule, a new agreement has been reached that see the Indian MotoGP return for the next three seasons.

Dorna has signed a new contract with 'Invest UP', the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s agency that facilitates international investment into the state.

A statement announcing the deal emphasised it is ‘directly between MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports and the government of Uttar Pradesh’.

The agreement confirms India will be back on the calendar from 2025 to 2027 at the Buddh International Circuit, where MotoGP made its debut last year and was due to return this September.

However, it was subsequently announced that the 2024 round would be cancelled 'due to 'operational considerations' and pencilled in for early 2025.

That return is now official.

"We’re very happy to announce this new agreement made directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

“The inaugural Indian Grand Prix was a key success and brought an enormous amount of value to both MotoGP and our host region of UP, so it’s fantastic we are able to continue building that together into the future.

"India is an essential market for MotoGP, with a healthy, established audience for the racing, and one we know we can increase exponentially.

“There are also hundreds of millions of two-wheeled vehicles used across the country every day, making it vital for our manufacturers and for the sport itself thanks to MotoGP’s position as the pinnacle of two wheels.

"We’re very proud to work directly with the government of Uttar Pradesh to bring MotoGP back to India, and UP and Buddh International Circuit, for the next three seasons."

India is one of three events that have dropped off the planned 2024 MotoGP calendar, after Argentina and Kazakhstan. The delayed Sokol round was set to take over this year's Indian date but was then also cancelled, resulting in a second round at Misano.