MotoGP Indian GP Dropped from 2024 Calendar, Slated to Return in March 2025

The 2024 MotoGP calendar has excluded the Indian Grand Prix, originally set for September 20-22, 2024. Reportedly, this event has now been rescheduled to March 2025, effectively making it part of the next season. This change comes amid controversy over unpaid dues related to MotoGP's return to India. However, FairStreet Sports, the Uttar Pradesh government, Dorna (the MotoGP organizers), and other involved parties collectively decided to postpone the Indian round. FairStreet Sports initially insisted the 2024 race would proceed as planned, attributing any concerns to India's ongoing general elections. Additionally, Dorna aims to reschedule the Kazakhstan Grand Prix, initially set for June, to the slot vacated by the Indian GP due to catastrophic floods in Kazakhstan. The 2023 MotoGP round in India, won by Marco Bezzecchi, was the most significant motorsports event in the country since the final Formula 1 race in 2013.

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2023 MotoGP India

The first MotoGP Indian Grand Prix generated a lot of excitement. The event was deemed a success, with teams and riders expressing satisfaction with the newly re-paved Buddh International Circuit (BIC), despite some last-minute visa issues.  However, the September race date meant riders had to contend with Delhi-NCR's intense heat. The hot and humid conditions caused several race marshals to pass out. The extreme temperatures also led to the feature race being shortened by three laps, and dehydration forced rider Jorge Martin to unzip his suit during the last lap, adding to the drama.

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Earlier this month, rumours emerged about the Indian GP's cancellation due to Dorna, the organizing body, citing non-payment of dues. The Indian organizers clarified that all financial commitments would be settled by June, delays being due to ongoing general elections. Invest UP, the investment wing of the Uttar Pradesh government partnered with the event organizers. They indicated that ticket sales for the next race would start by June 14. FairStreet Sports also mentioned that holding the event in September and again in March 2025 would be unfeasible within such a short period.