Will India Ever Host MotoGP?

MotoGP is the finest and the biggest two-wheeler Grand Prix. Every year thousands of racing enthusiasts from around the world gravitate towards MotoGP. The event not only quenches the thirst of adrenaline junkies but also boosts the economy of the nations.

India is rising as an economic giant in the international forum. With humongous FDI flowing in, India has become a prime destination for foreign companies to invest in. Not only investment, but India is also shining in the sports and athletic sector. India has huge viewership, thanks to easily available internet and smartphones. According to a report, IPL alone had 267 million viewers last year.

Now the main question is, will India ever get to host a MotoGP race? Well, the answer is not clear yet. 

Given that India is coming up with various race tracks, the idea seems to be favourable. Also, India is set to host a Formula E event in 2022, after it hosted India Grand Prix at Buddha International Circuit in 2016. 

Well, India has a good economic condition, some great tracks and massive viewership, then what is stopping Dorna to approach India to host a MotoGP event? For the answer, let’s dive back to when India hosted Indian Grand Prix. 

In 2016 after Indian Grand Prix, SC of India asked FIA to pay 40% tax. The Buddh International Circuit (BIC) is a permanent establishment for FOWC, defined by the Supreme Court decision as a fixed place of business that generates value-added or income tax.

A 40 per cent tax rate was applied, along with the interest that will be added on top of the tax. Furthermore, because the funds were used to host the event rather than for the protection of intellectual property, the Jaypee Group’s (owner of BIC) payments to FOWC for the use of emblems and insignia were likewise regarded as business income rather than royalties. This was all in response to the Delhi government’s suggestion that F1 races staged at BIC be subject to an entertainment tax.

This killed the motorsport enthusiasm in India. 

However, India is getting back on track. This year India is hosting Formula E. And the best part is, the Government is supporting the event. It is safe to say that India is waking up to the soft power, MotoGP too can bring to the country. 

Well, things are looking better for now with various motorsport events happening in the country. It might be quite soon that we all will be sitting on some race track and watching the bikes vanish in front of our eyes.