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MotoGP, which is considered the zenith of two-wheeler racing, could come to India in the winter of 2023 if everything goes on as planned, providing a massive boost to the motorsport scene in the country. The master agreement between MotoGP commercial rights owner Dorna and Noida-based race promoters Fairstreet Sports could be signed as early as next week.
Dorna MD Carlos Ezpeleta and CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta are travelling to the national capital on Wednesday. They are expected to make an official announcement for the 'Grand Prix of Bharat'. The race will most likely take place at the Buddh International Circuit, once the home of the Formula I Indian Grand Prix, which was discontinued due to financial, tax and bureaucratic hurdles.
The FIM homologation of the track will be done only after the 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 connection 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 have 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 the 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.
Around 5000 people work on a MotoGP weekend which includes races in junior classes Moto 2 and Moto 3. The race will not only put Uttar Pradesh on the global map but is expected to boost tourism.
(With PTI inputs)
