Good news! MotoGP set to return to India as UP Govt signs MoU

Motorcycle racing fans in India could soon see the return of MotoGP after a fresh agreement between the Uttar Pradesh government and AVW Global. The state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the motorsport consultancy to develop a racing ecosystem and explore the possibility of hosting major international events in the future.AVW Global, founded by former MotoGP rider Karel Abraham, will work with the State Transformation Commission to support the organisation of global racing championships. The plan includes bringing back the MotoGP round in India as well as hosting the Asia Road Racing Championship. The return of MotoGP is expected to focus on the Buddh International Circuit, which has previously hosted the Indian round of the championship.

The track remains the primary venue under consideration because it already has the infrastructure needed for top-level racing.

India hosted its first MotoGP event in September 2023, marking a historic moment for motorsports in the country. Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi won the main race at the inaugural event, finishing with a margin of 8.649 seconds. The race weekend drew a total attendance of 111,762 spectators, including 58,605 fans on race day.

Winners in the support categories included Pedro Acosta in Moto2 and Jaume Masia in Moto3.The event was held under difficult weather conditions, with extreme heat and humidity forcing organisers to shorten the race from 24 laps to 21 laps. Despite the challenges, the race delivered a strong economic impact. The event reportedly contributed more than Rs 392 crore to the local economy, benefiting hotels, transport services and related businesses in the Greater Noida region.