MotoGP boss explains Indian GP’s absence from 2025 calendar, promises 2026 return

MotoGP fans in India will have to wait longer to witness the thrill of the world's premier motorcycle racing series, as the Indian Grand Prix is notably missing from the 2025 calendar. Dorna Sports’ Chief Sporting Officer, Carlos Ezpeleta, has explained the decision, assuring fans that the event’s absence is temporary and motivated by logistical challenges.

Despite the excitement surrounding the inaugural Indian GP at the Buddh International Circuit in 2023, the event has been deferred to 2026. This decision came after Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder for MotoGP, released a record-breaking 22-round schedule for 2025. It included high-profile returns like the Brno circuit, a new event in Hungary, and a revamped season opener in Thailand.

The initial 2023 Indian GP was postponed due to “operational considerations,” and the 2025 edition faced similar hurdles. Ezpeleta highlighted that the key issue lay in identifying a suitable promoter for the race and implementing necessary upgrades to the Buddh International Circuit within the required deadlines.

Why Indian GP 2025 postponed?

“India is a hugely important market for MotoGP and the motorcycle industry. We have an agreement with the region of Uttar Pradesh, but unfortunately with the deadlines to publish the calendar it wasn’t possible for us to meet all of those deadlines in terms of selecting a promoter and getting the upgrades to the circuit done,” Ezpeleta said.

The decision to delay the Indian GP is not a reflection of the country’s importance to the sport, as Ezpeleta reiterated MotoGP’s long-term interest in establishing a strong presence in India. The country's enormous fan base and its significance to the global motorcycle industry make it a crucial market for the series.

With efforts underway to address the current obstacles, MotoGP fans in India can remain hopeful for the event's successful return in 2026. Until then, the focus will shift to other thrilling venues on the MotoGP calendar, while Indian fans anticipate a grander return of the sport shortly.