'Grand Prix of Bharat': India Set To Make MotoGP Debut In 2023 At Buddh International Circuit
Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holders of MotoGP, had announced earlier this month that they were in discussions with UP garment and Union Ministry of Sports to bring MotoGP race to India.
India is all set to make its debut in the MotoGP race in 2023 that will take place at the Buddh International Circuit in the National Capital Region. An official announcement to the effect was made Friday. Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holders, had announced earlier this month that they were in discussions with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Union Ministry of Sports for the event.
The 5.14-km track in the suburbs of New Delhi hosted Formula One races from 2011 to 2013, before being removed from the schedule.
"India will make its debut on the MotoGP™ calendar in 2023 as MotoGP™ gets ready to take on Buddh International Circuit, as the Grand Prix of Bharat," MotoGP said on its website. It added: "The country is a true economic and cultural powerhouse, with a population of over 1.4 billion people and more than 200 million motorcycles on its roads. Two-wheeled transportation counts for nearly 75% of the total number of vehicles used daily, making India one of the biggest motorcycle markets in the world and a key focus for the manufacturers in the MotoGP™ paddock."
According to MotoGP, racing at Buddh International Circuit, located at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, would push the sport into the heart of a vital market and make it more accessible than ever to the fans in the region.
It said the Indian Grand Prix will be a significant step in the sport's ambition to open the doors of motorcycle racing to all, and write a new chapter in the tale of the world's first motorsport championship, embracing new spectators and fans.
Commenting on the development, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said: “It’s a historical day for the sporting industry and tribute to the 75th year of India’s celebration.”
Assuring "full support to MotoGP Bharat", UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said: “It’s a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a global event.”
Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar, said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. “We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them. 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.”
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