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The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sepang circuit faces steep 20% fee hike to keep MotoGP beyond 2026
MALAYSIA could face a 20% jump in MotoGP hosting rights fees if it wishes to keep the popular event at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) after 2026, as the current deal with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports approaches its end. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the track's three-plus-two-year contract with Dorna expires next year, and negotiations are already underway. ALSO READ: 2025 Malaysia MotoGP: SIC targeting 200,000 spectators 'We are in the process of collecting information (regarding renewal) and hope to table it to the cabinet by the end of the year,' he told New Straits Times. 'Dorna are also chasing us for a decision as they want to finalise their calendar (for 2027) and possibly look for a replacement if we do not want to continue hosting it. 'Of course there will be an increase (in hosting rights fees), possibly about 20 per cent compared to previously. 'It is quite high, however, we are still negotiating to get the best value for Malaysia.' He stressed the Malaysian GP's significant economic benefits, noting an economic impact study last year showed the event generates 6.3 times return on investment. However, he assured that SIC will try to keep ticket prices affordable. 'We do not want to burden the rakyat (people) with expensive tickets. We previously saw what happened with Formula One (here). 'When Formula One tickets were sold at an expensive price, it was difficult for people to come and watch the race. 'We are aware of the current economic situation and are hoping to keep MotoGP tickets at a very affordable level.' Currently, Rahmah Tickets for the 2025 Malaysian GP, scheduled for October 24-26, are priced at RM49.90. The event drew a record-breaking 184,923 fans over three days last year, with SIC aiming to surpass 200,000 spectators this year.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sepang faces 20 per cent fee hike to continue hosting MotoGP
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia might have to pay up to 20 per cent more in MotoGP rights fees if it wants to continue hosting the hugely popular race at Sepang Circuit beyond 2026. Sepang International Circuit's (SIC) current deal with MotoGP owners Dorna Sports expires next year. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif is hoping to negotiate better terms on the renewal. It is unknown how much Malaysia, which is currently at the tail end of a three plus two year contract with Dorna, is currently paying to host the race annually. "We are in the process of collecting information (regarding renewal) and hope to table it to the cabinet by the end of the year," said Shafriman yesterday (Aug 13). "Dorna are also chasing us for a decision as they want to finalise their calendar (for 2027) and possibly look for a replacement if we do not want to continue hosting it. "Of course there will be an increase (in hosting rights fees), possibly about 20 per cent compared to previously. "It is quite high, however, we are still negotiating to get the best value for Malaysia." Shafriman highlighted the fact that the Malaysian GP has a significant positive impact on the local economy. He claimed the event provides 6.3 times return on investment for Malaysia based on an economic impact study conducted last year. Shafriman added that SIC will do their best to refrain from increasing ticket prices as it could impact spectator turnout during the event. "We do not want to burden the rakyat (people) with expensive tickets. We previously saw what happened with Formula One (here)," said Shafriman. "When Formula One tickets were sold at an expensive price, it was difficult for people to come and watch the race. "We are aware of the current economic situation and are hoping to keep MotoGP tickets at a very affordable level". SIC is currently selling Malaysian GP (October 24-26) Rahmah Tickets for RM49.90. The race achieved a new three-day attendance record of 184,923 fans last year. SIC is hoping to break the 200,000 barrier this year.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kuala Lumpur emerges as favourite to host 2026 MotoGP season launch
Kuala Lumpur has emerged as the frontrunner to host the 2026 MotoGP season launch, a format first introduced ahead of the 2025 season in Bangkok, has learned. While Dorna is yet to announce its final decision, understands that the Malaysian capital city currently enjoys the broadest support. Another option under consideration has been Melbourne, but various factors make its selection more complicated. Dorna started its season launch presentation in Thailand's capital this year, with the aim of boosting the championship's popularity and potentially selling the concept to other destinations. On that occasion, almost the entire grid – with the notable absence of world champion Jorge Martin who was injured just days earlier – posed for the official photo in front of a temple. Later, at one of Bangkok's largest shopping centres One Plaza, MotoGP hosted an event where riders mingled with fans, paraded on road bikes, and fired up their MotoGP prototypes. Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing For the second edition, Kuala Lumpur's advantages include logistical convenience and local expertise, given that the city regularly hosts team launches and maintains close ties with MotoGP. This year alone, Yamaha unveiled its new project – including the factory team, new satellite outfit Pramac and the overhaul to its MotoGP division – at the Petronas Towers. The date for the season launch, as well as the schedule for pre-season testing, are yet to be finalised. understands that teams are due to meet this Thursday at the Spielberg circuit for an IRTA meeting to outline the winter testing programme. But there is little room to manoeuvre given the congested 2026 MotoGP calendar. Based on recent years, the first round of testing is expected to take place in Sepang in Kuala Lumpur, in early February, right after the shakedown test. Read Also: Why the next contract matters more to Fabio Quartararo than to Yamaha in MotoGP The second test would follow a few days later at the Buriram circuit, which will also host the season opener on the first weekend of March. However, much will depend on how the instability in the area evolves, following a recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. A separate conflict between the people of Buriram and the Thai government has sparked several protests, triggered by the overturning of 995 land titles from local landowners covering an area of just over 8 million square metres, including the grounds of the Chang International Circuit which hosts the Thai GP. To read more articles visit our website.
News18
26-07-2025
- Automotive
- News18
MotoGP Might Not Come To India Next Year, Here's What Top Official Says
Last Updated: India hosted its first MotoGP race in 2023. The country somehow made it to the list of 2024 calendar. However, the game was postponed to March 2025 due to bad weather conditions. After winning millions of hearts, attracting a massive audience in 2023 at Greater Noida's Buddh International Circuit, the biggest motorsport MotoGP might not come to India next year. Yes, you read it right. Despite having a massive cult following for the sport, organisers have not listed the Indian Grand Prix on its provisional calendar for the 2026 season. Those who were waiting for this year's race will not be able to witness the adrenaline rush on track as official postponed the event, citing 'operational circumstances,". Here's What Top Official Says While expressing the views about the same, Dorna Sport in a statement said, 'Operational circumstances have obliged the event to be delayed from its initial slot near the start of the 2025 calendar. With no available dates towards the end of the season, MotoGP will therefore return to India in the early stages of 2026." In addition, Dorna said, 'Both MotoGP and InvestUP are working hard to bring MotoGP back to Buddh International Circuit with a world-class event and are committed to confirming India as a destination for global sporting events," the statement said. MotoGP 2023 view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
India dropped from MotoGP's 2026 calendar
MotoGP has released the provisional calendar for 2026, and the Indian GP is not on the list. The premier-class racing championship arrived in India in 2023 at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, but the same was postponed for the following years - 2024 and 2025 - for what was cited as 'operational circumstances." It now appears the championship will not be returning to India next year either. The Indian GP has been dropped from the 2026 MotoGP calendar for the third consecutive year, after the first and only race was held in 2023 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. No Indian Grand Prix On 2026 MotoGP Calendar The 2026 MotoGP season will kick off with the Thailand GP from February 27, 2025, followed by Brazil, USA, and Qatar. India was slated to be one of the contenders for the season opener next year, with the venue moved from Qatar due to its clash with the holy month of Ramadan. The cooler temperatures in February-March were considered more optimal to host the India round, given the scorching heat in September 2023 posed as a challenge for the riders, despite the track itself earning praise from the riders. Dorna has not released a statement on why the Indian GP was dropped from the calendar. Also Read : MotoGP Indian GP dropped from the 2024 calendar, will return in March 2025 MotoGP promoter Dorna had originally announced that India would return to the calendar in 2024, but the same was pushed to March 2025. The organisers cited 'weather concerns" as one of the reasons for the push. However, reports contradicted this claim, suggesting Fairstreet Sports, the Indian organisers of MotoGP Bharat, had not paid its dues to Dorna at the time. In response, Fairstreet Sports stated that Dorna was aware that payments would be delayed due to the General Elections in 2024. New 3-Year Deal Signed Between UP Govt. & Dorna However, there was a green light when the Uttar Pradesh government directly signed a new three-year deal with Dorna, ensuring the racing championship would come back to India. The UP government issued a tender to find a new race promoter in August last year, but the same was later recalled in September 2024. The last statement from Dorna on the Indian GP read, 'Operational circumstances have obliged the event to be delayed from its initial slot near the start of the 2025 calendar. With no available dates towards the end of the season, MotoGP will therefore return to India in the early stages of 2026. Both MotoGP and InvestUP are working hard to bring MotoGP back to Buddh International Circuit with a world-class event and are committed to confirming India as a destination for global sporting events." MotoGP's arrival and a rather quick departure from India join other motorsport events that arrived and failed to create the right impact. Previously, Formula 1 (2011-2013) and Formula E (2023) took place in India. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date:
