Is MotoGP Returning To India?

India’s tryst with MotoGP began and ended in a blaze of noise and sweat in September 2023. The inaugural Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit was supposed to signal the country’s arrival on the global two-wheel calendar. Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi dominated the main race, crossing the finish line with a commanding 8.649-second lead. Over the weekend, 111,762 spectators poured into the circuit, with 58,605 showing up on race day alone.

But then the event also exposed its cracks. Extreme heat and humidity forced organisers to cut the race from 24 laps to 21, raising questions about scheduling and preparedness. Teams struggled with logistics, riders spoke openly about the conditions, and operational issues overshadowed what should have been a clean debut for the country The 2024 edition of MotoGP was eventually cancelled, and doubts crept in about whether India can actually host a sporting event of this scale.

Now, almost three years later, there’s movement again. The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AVW Global to revive international motorcycle racing at the Buddh International Circuit. The agreement, inked by the State Transformation Commission, aims to bring back MotoGP along with the Asia Road Racing Championship, restoring Greater Noida to the international racing map.

AVW Global is led by former MotoGP rider Karel Abraham and CEO Amit Sandill. The company will handle technical and operational responsibilities, drawing on its experience managing the Brno Circuit in Czechia. MotoGP’s commercial rights holder Dorna Sports had also previously signed a three-year deal directly with the UP government after promoter Fairstreet Sports fell out of the picture.

Additionally, Liberty Media, the group driving global expansion in top-tier motorsport, sees India as prime territory. The two-wheeler market here dwarfs most others. From a business standpoint, ignoring India would be shortsighted.

For the UP government, the ambition extends beyond a single race weekend. Officials have framed the MoU as part of a broader push to build a lasting motorsport ecosystem around BIC. That means youth development, training pathways, ancillary businesses, and long-term sporting tourism. The circuit itself already proved in 2023 that it can host an event at MotoGP standards. The challenge now is sustainability. If AVW Global can iron out operational failures and align with Dorna’s global calendar demands, MotoGP in India could be a reality year after year. Not just that, it would bring other sports to the country as well

For fans who baked in the September sun three years ago, this revival is nothing short a redemption arc. After all, with one massively public failure already on its record, all eyes will be on Budh International Circuit.