A New Era for Bharat GP
MotoGP enthusiasts in India faced disappointment when the 2024 Bharat GP was canceled. The official reason cited was “operational constraints” and extreme heat. However, the real issue lay in unpaid dues to Dorna Sports and a lack of funds to host the event. But there’s good news! The Uttar Pradesh government and Dorna have signed a three-year contract to bring MotoGP back to India starting in 2025, with the possibility of extending it to five years.
A Fresh Start with New Agreements
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary-cum-Infrastructure & Industrial Development Commissioner, Government of UP, confirmed the news, stating, “Bringing MotoGP to Uttar Pradesh not only elevates our state on the global sports stage but also catalyzes substantial economic growth across tourism, hospitality, and associated sectors. This event will attract visitors worldwide, showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s capability in hosting world-class sporting extravaganzas.”
Financial Commitment
Hosting a top-tier motorsport event like MotoGP is no small feat, financially speaking. The estimated cost for organizing the 2025 MotoGP stands at ₹150 crore. The UP government will cover 53% (₹80 crore) of this cost through Invest UP, a government-backed agency promoting state investments. The remaining funds will come from sponsorships by over 200 companies invested in the state. Indian Oil was the title sponsor for the 2023 Bharat GP, but it remains to be seen if this partnership will continue in 2025. Additional funds, if needed, will be sourced from government funds, raising the possibility of making MotoGP a permanent fixture in India.
Why Invest So Much?
Investing ₹150 crore in a motorsport event might seem extravagant, but the UP government has broader ambitions. The Bharat GP is a strategic marketing exercise aimed at promoting Uttar Pradesh as an investment destination to national and international investors. Invest UP will manage the event, unlike in other countries where the sports ministry handles such events.
New Contracts and Expanded Advertising
For the 2024 race, Invest UP contributed only ₹18.5 crore. The higher cost for 2025 is due to additional provisions in the new contract. Invest UP now holds advertising rights for the race in India and has secured rights in five other countries: the US, Spain, Japan, the Netherlands, and Australia. The plan is to promote UP as a tourism destination and host business conclaves during the races. The 2025 Bharat GP might even be the season opener, a spot traditionally held by Qatar, which requires an extra fee to Dorna.
Boosting Tourism and Global Presence
The Bharat GP will significantly boost tourism in Uttar Pradesh, attracting not only Indian fans but also tourists from neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Malaysia and Thailand have successfully used MotoGP to boost tourism, with Thailand even waiving visa fees for many nationalities.
Seeking a New Promoter
A global tender will be issued for a new promoter for Bharat GP, to be announced by September 2024. Fairstreet Sports, the promoter of the 2023 race, faced criticism for organizational issues and delayed payments but remains in the running for the new tender. To ensure smooth operations, a special organizing committee will be formed, including representatives from industrial development authorities, local administration, Dorna Sports, and key investors.
Improving the Experience
The inaugural Bharat GP had its share of controversies, including visa issues for racers and their crews. Eight-time champion Marc Marquez arrived only on the day of free practice due to visa delays. The tarmac at BIC (Buddh International Circuit) required modifications to meet FIM safety standards, and work continued until race week. However, officials promise that homologation work for 2025 will be completed 90 days prior to the race.
Fans faced hardships too, with inadequate canopies, a lack of water dispensers, and poor event promotion. Only 50,000 fans attended the 2023 race, half the track’s capacity. The new promoters need to address these issues to ensure a better experience for spectators.
Looking Forward
The return of MotoGP to India is a major boost for motorsports and racing fans. With the UP government’s active involvement, the 2025 Bharat GP promises to be bigger and better. Despite the challenges, the 2023 race was thrilling, and MotoGP gained a larger audience in India. The racers loved the technical track at BIC and the facilities.
For many racers, it was their first visit to India, and they were amazed by the number of two-wheelers on our roads. With MotoGP returning and increased support for motorsports, we might see an Indian racer on the Bharat GP grid in the next decade. Now that would be a spectacular sight for all fans!
MotoGP fans in India, gear up for 2025 – it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!
