MotoGP has officially confirmed the postponement of the Indian GP from its 2024 date to early part of 2025 season.
For few weeks, there has been reports of cancellation of the 2024 Indian GP at the Buddh International Circuit. The stories linked to delays in payments and a deadline set by Dorna Sports to the promoters Fairstreet Sports regarding those payments.
Certain reports also linked to the ongoing General Election in the country which will decide the next term of the Prime Minister. Since the political situation is always volatile in the Indian subcontinent, a lot of things take a backseat for the period.
While the Indian GP was due to take place in September of 2024 which is well beyond the end of the election on June 4, but the preparation and financial releases needs to be done on time which seemingly wasn’t happening behind the scenes.
Amid chatter of cancellation, there was a midpoint in discussions with MotoGP agreeing to a postponement of the event to March 2025, where they could even be the season-opener. The exact date is yet to be firmed but the reason given is weather conditions.
Last year was huge downer in terms of the weather conditions and the heat that riders had to endure. March is much more cooler due to autumn conditions with winter starting to fade away and summer starting to kick-in in the region.
MotoGP hasn’t yet firmed the replacement of Indian GP for 2024, but all eyes are on Kazakhstan to fill the sport, whose original date was cancelled due to floods. “The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports announce that the Indian Grand Prix will not take place in 2024, with MotoGP postponing its return to the country to early 2025 due to operational considerations.
“Following advice from the Government of Uttar Pradesh as the state continues its long-term commitment to MotoGP, the sport will return to Buddh International Circuit in March 2025, when weather conditions are expected to be optimal for spectators and riders alike,” said a statement from MotoGP.
UPDATE: As expected, Kazakhstan will take the Indian GP slot of September 20-22 for 2024 season. “The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports can now announce new dates for the 2024 Grand Prix of Kazakhstan,” said a statement.
“Flooding across the region caused the event to be postponed from June. The inaugural Kazakhstan GP will now take place from the 20th to the 22nd of September as the first race on the Asian leg of the 2024 MotoGP calendar.”
Here’s a stat regarding close 2024 season