India's First MotoGP Starts Today; Here's What To Know

Get ready for some high thrills as India hosts its first-ever MotoGP. Some of the best motorcycle riders in the world will be participating in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 events at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from September 22-24, 2023. The event has been dubbed the MotoGP Bharat Grand Prix.

MotoGP (Motorcycle Grand Prix) is a grand prix motorcycle racing global championship, known to be the greatest level of bike racing on the planet. The Isle of Man TT (tourist trophy races) is said to have held the first event in 1949. According to reports, over 1.5 lakh visitors are expected at the MotoGP Bharat, or the Indian Grand Prix, which will be the 13th race of the 2023 circuit.

The Tickets

The tickets for the event are priced from INR 800 for the basic to INR 1,80,000 for luxury seats. There are all-day passes available as well. These give access to Friday free-practice sessions, the qualifying rounds, the Sprint event on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday. People can register on BookMyShow.

There are two premium packages on offer.

The MotoGP India Hospitality Package includes VIP hospitality in MotoGP VIP Village, premium experiences like VIP Village access, VIP Lounge Hospitality, Pit Lane Walk, Paddock Tour, an appearance by Johann Zarco and World Champions Trophy Access. You can also choose to add a hotel close to the racing venue.

With the MotoGP India Experience Package, you have a 3-day seat in the Grandstands or MotoGP VIP Village access which includes topnotch trackside seating and trackside activities. You can access the Paddock Tours, Team Garage Tours, Pit Lane Walk, and Rider Meet & Greets. One can also add a stay option.

You could also choose an All Day Pass, which is good for all three days of the race.

Check out the schedule here.

The Teams

The MotoGP event will see 22 riders from 11 teams.

The participating teams include Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team: Fabio Quartararo (France) and Franco Morbidelli (Italy); Ducati Lenovo Team: Francesco Bagnaia (Italy) and Enea Bastianini (Italy), Aprilia Racing: Alwix Espargaro (Spain) and Maverick Vinales (Spain); Repsol Honda Team: Marcquez (Spain) and Joan Mir (Spain); Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Jack Miller (Australia) and Brad Binder (South Africa); Gresini Racing MotoGP (Ducati): Alex Marquez (Spain) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Italy); Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati): Johann Zarco (France) and Jorge Martín Almoguera (Spain); Mooney VR46 Racing Team (Ducati): Luca Marini (Italy) and Marco Bezzecchi (Italy); RNF MotoGP Team (Aprilia): Miguel Oliveira (Portugal) and Raul Fernandez (Spain); Tech3 GASGAS Factory Racing (KTM): Pol Espargaro (Spain) and Augusto Fernández Guerra (Spain); LCR Honda Castrol/Idemitsu: Alex Rins (Spain) and Takaaki Nakagami (Japan).

About The Venue

The 5.148 kilometres long Buddh International Circuit was built in 2010 by German engineer and motorsports racing driver Hermann Tilke. It has hosted the Formula One Indian Grand Prix in 2011. It is named after the area it is situated in, Gautam Buddh Nagar district (or Greater Noida).