The Uttar Pradesh government has stepped in to rescue the MotoGP race in India, assuring the commercial rights holders Dorna that all financial obligations will be met "by the end of this week".
Motorsport.com had reported on May 13 that the Buddh International Circuit round, scheduled for 20-22 September, was set to be axed from the calendar after the race promoter Fairstreet Sports "breached contract terms" with Dorna Sports (read non-payment of dues).
UP govt becomes co-promoter
Uttar Pradesh government, which was the main race sponsor in the inaugural edition in 2023, has now become the event promoter alongside Fairstreet Sports and is keen to ensure that Grand Prix of India takes place in September as mentioned on the MotoGP website.
In an official email to Dorna, Invest UP - the investment arm of the state government - has promised to furnish all necessary approvals and fees disbursement plan by the end of this week, PTI reports. The government and Fairstreet Sports will share the burden of the race fees as per the tri-partite agreement with Dorna.
MotoGP organisers agree to continue
PTI has learnt that Dorna wanted all contractual obligations to be fulfilled by March but is ready to give a little more time to the local promoters considering the general elections in India.
"India is one of the things to look at. In these days it will be decided. We can't take long; next week or the following week at most," MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta said on the sidelines of the Catalan Grand Prix this weekend.
The existing contract covers the next six years and with UP government coming on board as a co-promoter, the event has received a huge shot in the arm.
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