2024 MotoGP Bharat canceled, rescheduled for March 2025

The 2024 edition of MotoGP Bharat has officially been removed from the calendar. Earlier this month, reports suggested that Dorna Sports was considering canceling the 2024 event. Local promoter Fairstreet Sports quickly dismissed these reports as rumors.

According to a recent PTI report, Fairstreet Sports has confirmed that the MotoGP round in India, originally scheduled for September 20-22, will now take place in March 2025. Initial reports indicated that Fairstreet had not settled dues with rights holders Dorna and other vendors after the inaugural MotoGP Bharat in September 2023, leading to uncertainty about the second edition. However, after a meeting involving Dorna, Fairstreet, and the Uttar Pradesh Government, it was decided to reschedule the race to a yet-to-be-determined date in March.

Fairstreet Sports CEO Pushkar Nath Srivastava denied that payment delays caused the postponement. “All payments were being made, and whatever is left will be paid by next month. That was not a factor in shifting the race to next year. We also considered November, but four back-to-back races would have been tough on the teams and riders,” said Srivastava.

Srivastava attributed the postponement to the unfavorable weather conditions in September, which made it difficult for riders and marshals, as experienced last year. The organizers are now seeking a slot in March when the weather is more conducive. The ongoing 2024 season began with the Doha Grand Prix on March 10, and the India round could be scheduled for the following week. Over 50,000 fans attended the inaugural MotoGP Bharat at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, filling half the facility.

Srivastava expects higher attendance in March due to better weather conditions. Ahead of the 2023 edition, Dorna and Fairstreet signed a seven-year agreement to stage MotoGP races in India. The Uttar Pradesh Government, previously a sponsor, has now become a co-promoter, raising hopes for the event's long-term future.

Will MotoGP Follow Formula One's Fate?

The BIC previously hosted Formula One for three seasons from 2011 to 2013, after which the premier car racing championship was discontinued in India due to financial backlogs and high taxation. There are concerns that MotoGP might face a similar fate, which would negatively impact India's reputation as a host for international motorsport events.