2025 Indian MotoGP 'Delayed' Until 2026

After reporting earlier today that there were rumours the 2025 running of the Indian MotoGP round at risk, Dorna and the FIM have this afternoon confirmed it officially with a press release.

The release doesn't mention the words 'cancelled' or 'postponed' and instead the two organisations state that the event will be "included on the 2026 FIM MotoGP calendar". It is also confirmed that the Indian venue will be a standby event for the 2025 championship season, although seeing as the parties involved were unable to run an event a year in advance, the hopes of them doing it on even shorter notice are slim.

The full press release from the FIM and Dorna reads:

"The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports confirm that the Indian Grand Prix will be included on the 2026 FIM MotoGP calendar, moving to become a reserve event for 2025.

"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.

"Both MotoGP and InvestUP are working hard to bring MotoGP back to Buddh International Circuit with a world-class event, and are committed to confirming India as a destination for global sporting events.

"Our collaboration with InvestUP to bring MotoGP back to India continues to lay fantastic foundations for the future and MotoGP looks forward to racing in front of our incredible Indian fans as soon as possible."

Autosport reports that the troubles are down to a lack of financial support from a local government investment agency linked to the region where the race is to be held. Invest UP (UP stands for Uttar Pradesh - the region in which the Buddh International Circuit resides) took over the promotion of the event from Fairstreet Sports, who promoted the inaugural event in 2023.

Even that first event at the former Indian F1 circuit was in doubt on more than one occasion, with question marks hanging over it in the days leading up to the Grand Prix. The event did go ahead though, with Marco Bezzecchi taking the win for the VR46 Team. The circuit was also widely lauded by the riders, who enjoyed the sweeping nature of the track and its elevation changes. The compliments were in contrast to reports made prior to the event, with the circuit’s safety being called into question after an FIM safety inspection highlighted numerous concerns.

The 2024 season was no better for the Indian MotoGP round, after the event, which was due to take place last weekend, was cancelled due to financial concerns and bad weather in the region. The MotoGP circus remained in Misano instead, with a double-header in Rimini replacing the ill-fated Indian round.

The 2025 running of the event had already been shifted, moving from its original September date to one earlier in the year in the hope of cooler temperatures. Its position earlier in the year would have meant the Indian round would have followed the season-opening Thai MotoGP round at Buriram, taking place from February 28 to March 2, 2025.