MotoGP India Return Gains Momentum as Karel Abraham and UP Government Sign MoU for Buddh International Circuit Revival

India’s hopes of hosting MotoGP again have gained fresh momentum, with former Grand Prix rider Karel Abrahamand his company AVW Global signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Transformation Commission, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The agreement aims to revive world-class motorcycle racing at the Buddh International Circuit, including MotoGP and the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC).

MotoGP India Return: Fresh Push from Uttar Pradesh Government

The latest development signals the most structured effort yet to bring MotoGP back to Indian soil after a turbulent few seasons. The Buddh International Circuit (BIC), which successfully hosted the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in 2023, remains central to the revival plan.

Just a few days ago, Adani Group’s Karan Adani expressed his interest in bringing the Formula 1 race back to India with the Group taking over the Jaypee Group.

Abraham, who previously competed in MotoGP and later operated the Brno Circuit in the Czech Republic, has positioned BIC as the natural venue for India’s return to the global calendar. He noted that the circuit already meets the quality and safety standards required for a world championship, making it the most viable option among the locations explored.

The Uttar Pradesh government has made it clear that the objective extends beyond a one-off race. Officials are aiming to build a sustainable motorsport ecosystem around the Greater Noida venue, leveraging it as a long-term sporting and economic asset.

ARRC Could Arrive as Early as 2026

Alongside MotoGP, discussions are progressing to bring the Asia Road Racing Championship to India. Representatives from Two Wheels Motor Racing, which manages the ARRC, have expressed strong interest in staging a round at BIC, potentially as early as mid-2026.

The ARRC already has strong Indian connections, with participation from major manufacturers such as Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India and TVS Motor Company. The presence of the TVS Asia One Make Championship further strengthens the grassroots racing ecosystem and aligns with the broader vision of nurturing domestic talent.

Liberty Media’s Expansion Strategy and India’s Market Potential

MotoGP’s commercial trajectory is also evolving under Liberty Media, which has taken ownership of the championship’s commercial rights. Through the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, the series is actively targeting growth markets.

India, as the world’s largest two-wheeler market, represents a strategic opportunity. Beyond sponsorship and commercial revenue, Abraham has emphasised talent development as a key pillar of the new initiative. The aim is to create pathways that could eventually see Indian riders competing at the highest level of MotoGP.

The Road So Far: From 2023 Debut to Calendar Absence

MotoGP’s initial entry into India was facilitated by Dorna Sports, which had signed a long-term agreement with Fairstreet Sports. While the 2023 Indian Grand Prix went ahead and received praise for the circuit layout, operational challenges and extreme weather affected the event.

The 2024 race was postponed, officially due to weather considerations, though reports indicated financial and logistical hurdles. Subsequently, Dorna signed a direct three-year agreement with the Uttar Pradesh government, removing the previous promoter from the arrangement.

Despite assurances that India would return to the calendar in 2026, the country ultimately did not feature on the provisional schedule. The newly signed MoU with AVW Global is therefore being viewed as the first concrete step toward a stable and professionally managed comeback.

Building a Sustainable Motorsport Hub at BIC

State officials have reiterated their commitment to maximising the potential of the Buddh International Circuit by developing a cohesive motorsport and youth development ecosystem. The vision includes attracting regular international events, promoting tourism, encouraging investment, and establishing Northern India as a permanent fixture on the global racing map.

With Abraham bringing first-hand MotoGP experience and operational expertise, negotiations are expected to begin soon to secure a calendar slot. While no official timeline has been announced, stakeholders have indicated that discussions to reinstate India on the MotoGP calendar could commence within the year.

For Indian motorsport fans, MotoGP’s return is no longer just speculation—it is once again firmly on the agenda, with structured backing from both government and international racing stakeholders.