Thailand to host MotoGP round from 2018

The Chang International Circuit in Buriram will host MotoGP races from next year.

Thailand is all set to host the MotoGP World Championship from 2018. The venue for the country’s inaugural MotoGP race will be the Chang International Circuit in Buriram.

Dorna, the commercial rights holder for MotoGP, has reportedly signed a deal with Chang International Circuit to serve as one of the venues for the premier class motorcycle, beginning next year. The Chang circuit will become the first all-new racetrack to be added to the MotoGP calendar since 2014 after the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit of Argentina. Prior to this, the Chang circuit has been hosting WorldSBK races since 2015.

Another reason for adding Thailand to the MotoGP calendar is the fact that Thailand is one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world. So, bringing the most elite form of motorcycle racing will invariably help manufacturers grow their business prospects in the country.

The Chang International Circuit is designed by Herman Tilke and was opened in 2014. The racetrack spans a total distance of 4.554km and has 12 corners in total – seven right-hand corners and five left-handers. During the WSBK race in 2016, the circuit registered a record 80,000 spectators, making it one of the best-attended races in WSBK.