BY UBAID PARKAR, SR. MANAGER – CONTENT MANAGEMENT AT SPORTZ INTERACTIVE
A full 10 years have passed since a Formula 1 race thrilled fans at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Back then, the idea of a major motorsport event returning to this iconic track seemed far-fetched.
But against the odds, it’s happening. After a decade’s wait, the Buddh International Circuit is set to host MotoGP in 2023. Branded as the Grand Prix of India, this two-wheeled spectacle scheduled across September 21-24, will not only feature MotoGP but also Moto2 and Moto3 races, considered as feeder championships.
FairStreet Sports, the organizers of this thrilling event, have aptly named it “MotoGP Bharat.” Tickets are available through BookMyShow, and the races will be broadcast live on Sports18 and JioCinema.
The grid will comprise 11 teams and 22 riders (excluding wildcard entries). This year, the MotoGP championship consists of 20 rounds, with India taking the spot as round 13.
MotoGP, in existence since 1949, is undergoing a transitional phase. Like any other major sporting event, it seeks to expand its fan base by exploring markets with potential, and India, with its vast population of 1.4 billion, presents a tantalizing opportunity.
Statistics reveal a telling story: 54 percent of Indian households own two-wheelers, be it scooters or motorcycles, while just eight percent possess cars as of early 2022.
In the world of MotoGP, the top motorcycle manufacturers vie for supremacy. Brands like Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, and KTM, all competing this year, resonate well with the Indian audience. The active Indian motorcycle market is pivotal to these manufacturers, as motor racing is often viewed as a moving billboard.
Aprilia, for instance, is expected to launch bikes in the Indian market in September, just ahead of the MotoGP race. KTM has been operating in India for a little over a decade, while Ducati has a 15-year presence in the country. Yamaha and Honda have firmly established their presence in India for several decades.
Among these, Honda boasts a commanding 25 percent of the two-wheeler market share in India, with Yamaha trailing at under four percent.
The premier class of MotoGP offers sprint races on Saturdays, providing added value for the weekend. These shorter versions of races are designed to engage younger audiences with shorter attention spans, who may quickly shift their interests.
Shorter races have gained traction in motorsports, with even Formula 1 incorporating sprint races, albeit on select weekends.
However, MotoGP faces the absence of a legendary figure in Valentino Rossi, who last raced in 2021. Marc Marquez, meanwhile, has struggled since sustaining an injury in 2020. This void has paved the way for other talents to shine, with Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia emerging as a dominant force. Despite some falls and slides, Bagnaia secured the 2022 title and is on track for a repeat this year. .
MotoGP consistently delivers thrilling races. These prototype bikes are capable of speeds exceeding 350 kmph, and the long back straight at the Buddh International Circuit should provide the ideal canvas for such speeds. Races typically last about 45 minutes, and the closer competition among riders in comparison to Formula 1 often leads to intense battles and exciting final laps.
A prime example of this excitement unfolded during the British GP in August. Aleix Espargaro’s daring move through the iconic Maggots corner at Silverstone on the final lap to snatch victory from Bagnaia showcased the dramatic potential of MotoGP, even when the championship outcome seems predictable.
Tickets for these gripping races are available at prices ranging from ₹800 upwards, with premium packages reaching ₹40,000. The top-tier package offers premium seating in an air-conditioned area, catering, and access to the Fanzone, along with a prime view of the start-finish straight where much of the action is expected.
The question remains: Can India sustain its interest in MotoGP, whether through television or online viewership, or will it entice race fans to make a pilgrimage to the Buddh circuit?
Formula 1, which fizzled out in its third year in 2013 despite the presence of an Indian team (Force India) and drivers (Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok), still considers India among its top five markets, with an estimated fan base of over 30 million.
In contrast, MotoGP boasts a global audience of approximately 340 million cumulative viewers, yet India’s contribution to this audience remains relatively modest. How many of the 30 million F1 fans in India will transition to become part of the MotoGP fanbase, and how many two-wheeler-owning households will tune in, is a question that the organisers, Dorna, are eager to answer.
