Bharat GP: Buddh International Circuit Gets Thumbs Up from MotoGP Riders

The anticipation and excitement among fans and riders have reached new heights as the Grand Prix of India finally kicks off today. Initial concerns about track safety expressed by some riders before India's maiden MotoGP have now been allayed after they inspected the racetrack on Thursday. Riders have approached the practice session with renewed enthusiasm, as the unique layout of the BIC track sets it apart from other circuits, piquing their interest. Reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, a member of the Ducati Lenovo Team, has openly admired the racetrack's layout, describing it as intriguing.

While there were concerns about visa approvals for riders and team members potentially disrupting the racing competition, MotoGP expressed its gratitude to the governments of India and Uttar Pradesh via its official X (formerly Twitter) page for their assistance in securing last-minute visas for numerous participants ahead of the Indian Grand Prix. The inaugural MotoGP Bharat GP will feature 22 riders from 11 teams, including KTM, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, and Aprilia, competing for the podium. As the highly anticipated motorsport event begins today, let's take a look at some of the key details.

Also Read: MotoGP Bharat GP: India’s First Race Set to Start Tomorrow, Here’s All You Need to Know

MotoGP Bharat GP: What's New with BIC?

For India’s first MotoGP, BIC went through a lot of modifications, including the addition of 1800 metres of extra safety barriers (such as air fence barriers and substantial foam barriers) and the lengthening of gravel areas to prevent collisions. For instance, more gravel has been placed at Turns 1, 3, and 5 to make it safer for motorcycles, and barriers at Turn 12 have been moved back a little. Fairstreet Sports has given the run-off areas additional attention. The track's general design, though, remains unaltered.

The track is 4.96km long. It has thirteen turns, eight on the right and five on the left, and one of the longest straights at 1,006 metres. The straight after Turn 3 has both an uphill and a downhill stretch. The MotoGP race will cover a distance of 118.97km and in 21 laps.

Also Read: MotoGP Explained: Format, Schedule, Rules and Regulations Explained

MotoGP Bharat GP: Schedule

Indian Grand Prix Timings: MotoGP

Thursday, September 21

MotoGP GearUP - 03:00 pm

MotoGP Podcast - 03:05 pm

MotoGP Pre-Event Press Conference 1 - 04:00 pm

MotoGP Pre-Event Press Conference 2 - 04:35 pm

Friday, September 22

BharatGP MotoGP Free Practice Nr. 1 - 11:45 am

BharatGP MotoGP Practice - 04:30 pm

Saturday, September 23

BharatGP MotoGP Free Practice Nr. 2 - 10:40 am

BharatGP MotoGP Qualifying - 11:20 am

BharatGP MotoGP Sprint - 03:30 pm

Sunday, September 24

BharatGP MotoGP Race - 3:30 pm

Indian Grand Prix Timings: Moto2

Friday, September 22

BharatGP Moto2 Practice Nr. 1 - 10:35 am

BharatGP Moto2 Practice Nr. 2 - 02:50 pm

Saturday, September 23

BharatGP Moto2 Practice Nr. 3 - 09:55 am

BharatGP Moto2 Qualifying - 01:20 pm

Sunday, September 24

BharatGP Moto2 Race - 01:45 pm

Indian Grand Prix Timings: Moto3

Friday, September 22

BharatGP Moto3 Practice Nr. 1 - 09:30 am

BharatGP Moto3 Practice Nr. 2 - 01:45 pm

Saturday, September 23

BharatGP Moto3 Practice Nr. 3 - 09:10 am

BharatGP Moto3 Qualifying - 01:20 pm

Sunday, September 24

BharatGP Moto3 Race - 12:30 pm