India’s hopes of seeing top-level motorcycle racing return are gathering serious momentum. The Government of Uttar Pradesh, through its State Transformation Commission, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with AVW Global, a motorsport consultancy founded by former MotoGP rider Karel Abraham. The agreement aims to bring MotoGP and the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) back to the Buddh International Circuit in Gautam Buddh Nagar.
This move is being positioned as more than just an attempt to host another race. Officials describe it as the beginning of a larger plan to build a long-term motorcycle racing ecosystem in the state.
The Buddh International Circuit, which hosted India’s first MotoGP race in 2023, remains at the centre of the plan. The circuit is regarded as one of the most advanced racing facilities in the country, and the government intends to use it as the foundation for attracting global events on a regular basis.
Under the new agreement, AVW Global will work closely with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to facilitate the hosting of international championships. This includes planning, coordination, and professional execution of events such as MotoGP and ARRC. The goal is not simply to stage a race, but to ensure it is organised in a sustainable and structured manner.
AVW Global brings experience from international motorsport operations. The company was founded by Karel Abraham, who previously competed in MotoGP and also owned and operated the Brno Circuit in the Czech Republic. His background gives the consultancy practical knowledge of what is required to run global racing events successfully.
Speaking about the partnership, Manoj Kumar Singh, CEO of the State Transformation Commission, said the intention is to bring motorcycle racing back to India in a truly professional way. He emphasised that fans across the state and the country are eager to see top-level racing return. He also stated that Uttar Pradesh is committed to building a strong motorsport environment that supports youth development and long-term growth. According to him, the Buddh International Circuit will be fully utilised, and the aim is to build a sustainable ecosystem around it.
The agreement also involves Two Wheels Motor Racing, the rights holder for the Asia Road Racing Championship. Ron Hogg, Promotions Director at Two Wheels Motor Racing, said India is an important market with deeply passionate fans. He added that there is interest in returning to race in India as early as July or August 2026, subject to calendar approvals and final arrangements.
Karel Abraham also shared his perspective, stating that India, as the world’s largest motorcycle market, deserves access to world-class racing. Drawing from his experience as both a rider and circuit operator, he said building a successful motorsport ecosystem requires professional planning and a fan-focused approach.
The broader vision extends beyond racing weekends. The government believes that hosting events such as MotoGP and ARRC can boost tourism, generate employment, and attract investment. Large-scale international sporting events typically bring global media attention, visiting teams, sponsors and fans, all of which contribute to economic activity in the region.
Officials have also expressed an ambition to position Uttar Pradesh as a “Motorsport Capital”. With strong road connectivity and existing infrastructure, the state sees an opportunity to become a preferred destination for global sporting events. If successful, this could strengthen India’s presence on the international racing calendar.
When MotoGP first arrived in India in 2023, it marked a historic milestone. However, follow-up races did not materialise in subsequent seasons. Organising an event of that scale requires detailed coordination between government bodies, international organisers, teams and commercial partners. The new agreement appears designed to address those challenges with clearer structure and experienced oversight.
By bringing together state authorities and international motorsport professionals, the initiative represents a coordinated effort rather than a one-off arrangement. The intention is to create continuity and reliability so that India can host races consistently.
While no official confirmation of a race date has been announced yet, the July–August 2026 timeline mentioned by stakeholders suggests that active discussions are underway. Much will depend on final approvals from global racing authorities and scheduling considerations.
For Indian fans, this development offers renewed optimism. The sight of world championship motorcycles racing at the Buddh International Circuit left a lasting impression in 2023. If the new plans succeed, that experience could return — this time backed by a clearer long-term strategy.
The partnership between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and AVW Global signals a serious intent to re-establish India on the global motorcycle racing stage. If all elements come together, the country could soon see the return of MotoGP and ARRC, marking a significant step forward for Indian motorsport.
