The MotoGP World Championship will kick off in Thailand for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, as the country takes over from Qatar. The Thai Grand Prix, held at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, will kick off the MotoGP calendar, marking a significant milestone for the event.
Since its debut in 2018, the Thai GP has become a major fixture on the MotoGP calendar, attracting over 800,000 spectators across four events. Next year’s MotoGP excitement in Thailand will grow with Somkiat Chantra, rumored to join LCR Honda.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, expressed his excitement about the announcement. “We are thrilled to reveal that the 2025 and 2026 season openers will be held at the Thai Grand Prix in Buriram. Southeast Asia is a key market for our sport, and Thailand plays a leading role with its passionate fanbase and the impressive crowds we see at Buriram each year. The track’s layout and the atmosphere created by the fans have made it an instant favorite since its introduction.”
Ezpeleta added, “We’re looking forward to returning later this year and making history with the 2025 season opener.”
Although the organizers have not yet released the full provisional 2025 MotoGP calendar, they expect the Thai round to take place on the first weekend of March, followed by a race in India. The strategic timing of the Thai GP aims to capitalize on the significant rider movement expected over the winter, generating excitement as fans look forward to seeing top riders on new bikes for the first time.
Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, highlighted the economic benefits of hosting the season opener: “Being the season opener presents a tremendous opportunity to leverage this world-class sporting event to boost the economy and align with our Sport Tourism policy. The 2025 season will captivate fans with new team dynamics and rider changes at the Chang International Circuit.”
Yodmani also noted that Dorna Sports plans to extensively promote the Thai GP to increase its global visibility, positioning it as a must-visit event for MotoGP enthusiasts.
The reason for Qatar relinquishing the season-opening slot remains undisclosed. However, logistical considerations might have influenced the decision, with the possibility of the second and final pre-season test also shifting to Buriram. Meanwhile, Expectations are that the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia will continue to host the Shakedown and the first official pre-season test.
