A new race for MotoGP? Dorna has signed a memorandum of understanding to race in India from next year!

According to the latest information, the MotoGP series is expected to head to India from next year. In fact, Dorna has signed a memorandum to bring MotoGP to India for the next seven years! The first race is expected to take place in 2023.

On Wednesday, September 21, it was announced at a press conference in Delhi that the MotoGP series will also visit India from next year.

This hot news was announced by Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta and sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta along with key members of race promoter FairStreet Sports.

The planned races will be held at the Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of the capital, the same 5.125km circuit that previously hosted three Formula One races in 2011-13 before being scrapped due to financial, bureaucratic and tax reasons.

According to Motorsport, negotiations with the state government and the Indian ministry are at an advanced stage and official confirmation is expected to follow soon.

The event would then be named the ‘Grand Prix of Bharat’ and the first race would be held at the circuit next year. However, Dorna has not set any date yet. India is expected to sign a 7-year contract with MotoGP.

In the end, though, this is not really a surprising move. MotoGP has been expanding its reach for some time now, and the Asian continent is an integral part of that. After all, the new races in Thailand and Indonesia have been a big hit.

A statement from the CEO of Dorna

“MotoGP continues to win new audiences and fans around the world. That’s why it’s imperative for us to expand its presence to new destinations where more fans and riders are arriving every year,” said Carlos Ezpeleta at the press conference.

“India is the key to our scheme to take MotoGP to the next level. Over the last decade, our sport has made significant progress, thanks to the great competition on the grid and a well-established set of rules. We look forward to the Indian Grand Prix and the continued growth of the fan base,” he concluded.

Sources: MotoGP, Motorsport