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If everything goes as planned, MotoGP, the pinnacle of two-wheel racing, could arrive in India in the winter of 2023, providing a massive boost to the country’s stagnant motorsport scene.
The master agreement between Dorna, the owner of the MotoGP commercial rights, and Fairstreet Sports, based in Noida, could be signed as soon as next week.
Dorna, M.D. Carlos Ezpeleta and CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta are expected to make an official announcement about the ‘Grand Prix of Bharat’ on Wednesday in the national capital. The round will most likely be held at the Buddh International Circuit, which was once home to the Formula I Indian Grand Prix before it was cancelled due to financial, tax, and bureaucratic obstacles.
The track will be FIM homologated only after an agreement is signed between the MotoGP rights owner and race promoters.
Speaking to PTI, Fairstreet Sports COO Pushkar Nath said they have done their homework for the organisation of the high-profile race, taking into consideration what went wrong with Formula 1 nine years ago. “India is the largest two-wheeler market in the world. Everyone has a connect with bikes. It has aspirational value. MotoGP is one of the most watched sporting events,” Nath told PTI.
“We have taken all the precautionary steps for the India round. We ave taken all the steps to ensure we can race in India for a long period. We are looking at a winter round for India next year.” Akbar Ebrahim, president of Indian motorsports federation FMSCI, welcomed the development.
“I had mentioned in our AGM recently that talks were on between both the parties and we have been kept in the loop. I have also had a meeting with the race promoters. They know what they are doing and what is needed to pull off an event of this scale.
“I hope the master agreement between Dorna and Fairstreet is signed soon and then we can move on to track homologation and the organisation of the race. The support of the government will be key here,” said Ebrahim.
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