Thai GP Confirmed as 2025 MotoGP Season-Opener

After many years MotoGP will have a new ‘official’ season-opener with the Thai GP replacing Qatar. During the Covid-19 pandemic Jerez served as a temporary season-opener, before Portimao did the same in 2023. Back in Qatar for the start of this season, the next two years will see MotoGP move to Buriram for the start of the season.

The Thai GP has been on the calendar since 2018 and has produced many incredible races, including 2019 when Marc Marquez clinched his sixth MotoGP title with a last-corner overtake on Fabio Quartararo.

Marquez also won the inaugural race in 2018, before Miguel Oliviera (2022) and Jorge Martin (2023) also took victory - the Thai GP was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to Covid-19 concerns.

Speaking about the championship’s commitment to staging the season-opener in Thailand, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: "We are very excited to reveal that the 2025 and 2026 season openers will be the Thai Grand Prix at Buriram. Southeast Asia is one of our most important markets, both for the sport and for our factories and partners.

“Thailand plays a leading role in that, and the passion is clear to see in the huge crowds we enjoy at Buriram year on year. We know they will create an incredible atmosphere for the first event of the season.

"As soon as Buriram joined the calendar, it became an instant favourite. It’s easy to understand why: it’s a fantastic place to enjoy MotoGP, with a layout crafted to showcase the best of our close racing – very much proven by the incredible show we enjoyed at the track last season.

“We’re looking forward to coming back later this year and then to return in 2025 for a history-making season opener."

MotoGP is well supported by the Asian market currently, as Indonesia recently joined the championship in 2022 which produced huge interest. Currently, the 2025 provisional calendar has not yet been confirmed but it’s rumoured that the season-opener will be held in early March, with India potentially staging round two. 

Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor for Sports Authority of Thailand, added: "We recognize the numerous benefits of being the season opener.. This presents a significant opportunity to leverage a world-class sporting event to stimulate the economy and generate substantial revenue in line with the Sport Tourism policy. One of the factors that will make the 2025 season particularly exciting is the significant rider movement between teams.

“This will undoubtedly captivate MotoGP fans worldwide as they eagerly anticipate seeing top riders on their new bikes for the first time at Chang International Circuit. Following a nearly four-month off-season, this will be the inaugural race to showcase the new team dynamics. Moreover, Dorna Sports, as the event organiser, has plans to extensively promote the season opener to raise awareness among motorsport fans globally. This will enhance the visibility of the Thai round and establish it as a must-visit destination for MotoGP enthusiasts from around the world.

"On behalf of the Sports Authority of Thailand, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dorna Sports and assure them that Thailand is fully prepared in all aspects to host the opening round of the 2025 and 2026 seasons.”

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