Indian GP to make a comeback for 2024 as MotoGP’s provisional calendar is finally released 

India is the largest two-wheeler consumer market in the world. This in turn, made it the perfect candidate to host a MotoGP round, as Dorna wanted to make its mark in the country. When the idea of an Indian GP was proposed, the excitement was immense, but so were the concerns. After all, many thought that the race would take place in 2024. However, the race was taking place in 2023 itself which put the organizers in a tough spot to get everything ready. 

Ever since Formula 1 had their last race in India back in 2013, it has been a decade since the Buddh International Circuit hosted an event of a similar magnitude. Even before the race weekend started, there was tons of drama as Marc Marquez and many riders were unable to get their visas on time for India. The agency that Dorna had recommended for teams and media to use wasn’t helpful. Thankfully it got sorted out and everyone was able to make it to the track.

Track action was interesting to watch as many struggled in their braking at Turn 1 and went off in the gravel. Taka Nakagami’s crash in free practice was a testament to how technical and cut-to-cut the circuit is. Marco Bezzecchi made history as he went on to take pole position for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. However, Saturday was fully celebrated by Jorge Martin who went on to win the first ever Sprint race in India. 

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Pecco Bagnaia’s championship lead has been cut down to 13 points following a shocking crash at the Indian GP

Pecco Bagnaia had come into the Indian GP holding a decent 36-point lead over title rival Jorge Martin. After the Sprint race on Saturday Bagnaia’s championship lead to Martin was reduced to 33 points. However, Sunday’s race took everyone by surprise as Pecco went on to crash out from the race. This in turn gave championship rivals Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi a massive advantage. 

Marco Bezzecchi went on to win Sunday’s race and was able to claw back on his gap to Pecco Bagnaia in the championship. The Indian GP was thus filled with drama and excitement  for which it earned itself a place on the calendar for the 2024 MotoGP season. This time, the organisers will have more time to prepare for the race and learn from the mistakes and challenges that were caused during this year’s event. 

The provisional MotoGP 2024 calendar is as follows:

Despite riders wanting a night race in India due to the weather conditions, it seems like the Indian MotoGP round will take place in September only. The possibility of it becoming a night race is low but not completely out of the picture. It will be interesting to see the changes that they make for 2024.

In case you missed it:

• Lewis Hamilton proposes the use of AI as a replacement to Stewards in F1
• Lewis Hamilton admits he is ‘worried’ that Mercedes won’t catch up to Red Bull in 2024

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