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MotoGP: Indian Grand Prix Preview – A new challenge awaits

September 21, 2023 September 21, 2023

MotoGP comes to India for the 13^th round of the MotoGP World Championship in a brand-new venue.

The first Grand Prix of India will take place at the Buddh International Circuit, just 36 miles from New Delhi. Excitement is as high as ever with just 36 points separating Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

India will become the 30^th different country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix since 1949, leaving its mark in the history books. It will also become the eighth Asian country to host a Grand Prix.

The 3.185-mile-long Buddh International Circuit was designed by the German circuit designer, Hermann Tilke. The first circuit that Tilke designed was in 1996, designing the legendary A1 Ring (Red Bull Ring) in Austria. The Buddh International circuit would be Tilke’s 28^th race track which he created.

It is an extremely important round for MotoGP as they make their first steps into the Indian market. With India selling 20 million two-wheelers per year, they are one of the biggest markets for MotoGP and manufacturers.

The circuit was first opened in 2011 and held its first F1 Indian Grand Prix in the latter half of that year. The race was only run for another two years, with the Formula 1 paddock not returning after 2013.

A brand new circuit for premier-class motorcycle racing

In 2016 the circuit held its only major motorcycle race with the Asian Road Racing Championship racing at the venue. The Asian Supersport 600 lap record was 1:55.855 which was set by previous Grand Prix rider, Anthony West.

Riders and teams are extremely excited for the inaugural India Grand Prix after initial issues with visas to enter the country. After the riders eventually got to the circuit on Thursday, they were able to walk around the track for the first time.

Aleix Espargaro said: “I am happy to be here and happy to come to a country like this. The look of the track looks really fun, and I like the layout a lot and I think they have prepared the track as best as they can.”

Fabio Quartararo pointed out the “long straights” which the Buddh International Circuit offers for the MotoGP riders. In more detail, Quartararo said: “We’ve had a short break before we start the Asian GPs. It’s nice that we get to go to a new place, experience a new culture, meet the Indian fans, and ride at a circuit I don’t know yet.

“Looking at the layout, it seems like an interesting track, so we will see what we can do. We tried a lot of things at the Misano Test and there are a few things that we can try here too. We will do our best as always!”

Marc Marquez India GP track walk — Marc Marquez was one of the many riders who walked the circuit on Thursday during the unexpected shower Image credit: Repsol Media

The start of an Intense end to the season

It is the first round of the flyway races in the 2023 season, after spending the last nine consecutive races in Europe. After the Indian Grand Prix, the paddock will jet off to Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Qatar. The season will then finish back in Europe with the Valencia Grand Prix at the end of November.

With eight Grand Prix races in 10 weeks, it’s a frantic time for the teams and riders with consistency looking to be key. Ducati will be the manufacturer who will aim to continue their consistency of front-row start.

If Ducati scores a pole position in India, they will achieve their ninth consecutive pole in a row in 2023. If a Ducati rider finishes on the podium at the Buddh International Circuit, it will be their 39^th Grand Prix race in a row with a rider on the podium.

It is the beginning of an important period for Marc Marquez and Repsol Honda as Marquez aims to decide his future. The eight-time World Champion aiming to decide his future in India or the up-and-coming Grand Prix in Japan.