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The Indian Grand Prix, a highly anticipated event on the MotoGP calendar, has been postponed to 2026 due to operational challenges. The race, initially scheduled for September 2023, was first deferred to March 2025. However, unforeseen circumstances have necessitated a further delay.The postponement was announced by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA), and Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP. In a statement, they cited "operational circumstances" as the reason for the delay.The Indian Grand Prix was set to be held at the Buddh International Circuit, which hosted the inaugural race in 2023. Over 50,000 fans witnessed the thrilling event, making it the largest motorsports spectacle in India since the last Formula 1 race in 2013.However, the Indian Grand Prix has faced several challenges in recent years. Formula 1, which had a brief three-year stint in India, was discontinued due to financial and taxation issues. The MotoGP race has also encountered similar obstacles.In July 2023, Dorna signed a new three-year contract with InvestUP, the Uttar Pradesh government's agency, to keep the Indian GP on the calendar from 2025 to 2027. However, the operational challenges have forced a postponement to 2026.Despite the setback, both MotoGP and InvestUP remain committed to bringing the race back to India. They are working diligently to ensure a world-class event that will showcase India as a destination for global sporting events.The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a fresh tender to find a new co-promoter to execute the mega event, which is estimated to cost around 160 crores. Approximately 100 crores of this amount will be reserved for Dorna, the rights holder.The postponement of the Indian Grand Prix is a disappointment for fans and organizers alike. However, it is important to address the operational challenges to ensure a successful and memorable event in the future. MotoGP looks forward to returning to India and racing in front of its passionate fans as soon as possible.

The MotoGP Indian Grand Prix, scheduled for September 20-22, has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks. However, Fairstreet Sports, the race promoters, have confirmed that the event will proceed as planned.Initial concerns arose due to delays in fulfilling financial obligations from last year's race. However, the Uttar Pradesh government intervened, with its investment wing, Invest UP, becoming a partner in February-March. The hosting rights fee will now be shared by Fairstreet Sports and Invest UP."The race is on," said Fairstreet Sports COO Pushkar Nath Srivastava. "We are grateful to the Uttar Pradesh government for their support."The organizers acknowledge that the fulfillment of contractual obligations has taken time due to formalities, paperwork, and the ongoing elections. However, they are confident that all issues will be resolved shortly after the elections, with a tripartite pact in place between Dorna, Fairstreet, and Invest UP.Ticket sales for the event will commence on June 14, with both single-day tickets and season passes available. The second edition of the Grand Prix will also feature a range of fan engagement activities.Fairstreet and Dorna have a seven-year contract to hold the race at the Buddh International Circuit, with six races remaining. India's track record in hosting international motorsport events has been mixed, with Formula 1 and Formula E both having short-lived stays.Despite these concerns, the organizers are optimistic about the future of MotoGP in India. The 2024 MotoGP calendar initially included a record-breaking 22 races, but was reduced to 20 after the cancellation of the Argentina race and the postponement of the Kazakhstan GP.