The highly anticipated return of the India MotoGP race has been further delayed, as it is notably absent from the provisional 2026 calendar, despite earlier assurances from Dorna, the commercial rights holder.
Another Setback for India MotoGP
Motorcycle racing fans in India face fresh disappointment. The provisional calendar for the 2026 MotoGP season has been unveiled, and the Indian Grand Prix is not on the list.
This comes after Dorna had previously stated that the Indian GP, which was initially postponed from 2025, would definitely make a comeback in the early stages of 2026 due to “operational circumstances.” However, that promise has not materialized.
A Rocky History for the Indian GP
India first hosted a MotoGP race at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in 2023. While the event faced some logistical challenges and intense heat, riders generally praised the track itself.
The race was slated to return in 2024, but it was cancelled and subsequently pushed to March 2025. The official reason given was “weather concerns,” though reports at the time pointed to issues with the original promoter, Fairstreet Sports, allegedly failing to pay the full hosting fee on time. Fairstreet Sports, however, attributed delays to India’s General Elections.
Changing Promoters and Promises
Following these issues, Dorna took a new approach. Just weeks after the 2024 cancellation announcement, they signed a direct three-year deal with the Uttar Pradesh government, effectively removing Fairstreet Sports from the equation.
The search for a new race promoter began with a tender issued by the government in August 2024, which was later recalled and re-issued in September 2024. Despite these efforts, Dorna confirmed in late September 2024 that the Indian GP was dropped from the 2025 calendar as well.
At that time, the statement from Dorna was clear: “Operational circumstances have obliged the event to be delayed from its initial slot near the start of the 2025 calendar. With no available dates towards the end of the season, MotoGP will therefore return to India in the early stages of 2026.”
Unanswered Questions Remain
The latest omission from the 2026 calendar contradicts Dorna’s previous assurances. No specific reason for the current cancellation has been provided yet.
This situation adds to India’s challenging track record with hosting major international motorsport events, a pattern seen previously with Formula 1 and Formula E races facing cancellations and difficulties.
- The India MotoGP race is not on the provisional 2026 calendar.
- This contradicts previous assurances from Dorna for a 2026 return.
- The Indian GP made its debut in 2023 at the Buddh International Circuit.
- The 2024 and 2025 races were both cancelled due to various operational and financial issues.
- Dorna had signed a direct deal with the Uttar Pradesh government to facilitate a return.
As the motorsport world awaits further clarification from Dorna, the future of MotoGP in India remains uncertain.
