2025 MotoGP India Race Cancelled, Event Shifted to 2026 Due to 'Operational Issues'

MotoGP announced that the Indian Grand Prix has been postponed until 2026 due to 'operational circumstances'. This revelation has disappointed Indian fans who were eagerly anticipating the race's comeback next year, banking on the three-year contract signed between Dorna Sports and the Uttar Pradesh Government. The Grand Prix was last held in India in 2023 at the Budh International Circuit, where Marco Bezzecchi emerged as the winner. It was an exhilarating event, with riders praising the resurfaced Buddh International Circuit. However, the weather surrounding the race date in September posed serious challenges for the riders. The scorching temperatures in the Delhi-NCR region caused many riders to collapse due to heatstroke, and the primary race being shortened. 

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While Indian fans were skeptical over the race's return to India beyond 2023, the groundbreaking deal between the Uttar Pradesh government's Invest UP and Dorna Sports in May of this year put an end to their concerns and ensured that the MotoGP Indian Grand Prix would be held annually at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida for three years. However, for unknown exact reasons, the race has now shifted to the 'early stages of 2026.'

Commenting on the postponement of the Indian Grand Prix until 2026, MotoGP said '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.'

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It also added that '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 Invest UP 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.'