Thai GP to Open MotoGP Season in 2025 and 2026

Buriram’s Chang International Circuit to kick off MotoGP seasons, marking the first Southeast Asian opener in over 25 years.

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MotoGP has announced that the Thai Grand Prix at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram will serve as the season opener for both the 2025 and 2026 seasons. 

This marks a historic change as the season starts in Southeast Asia for the first time in over 25 years, with provisional dates set from February 28 to March 2, 2025.

Traditionally, Qatar has been the venue for the season-opening race for most of the last two decades. However, speculation about a date change to avoid the holy month of Ramadan has led to this significant shift. 

As a result, the date for the Losail race in Qatar has yet to be confirmed, and it’s uncertain whether MotoGP’s first pre-season test for 2025 will remain in Sepang, Malaysia, or move to Buriram.

The complete 2025 calendar has yet to be released, but the date and location for the opening round have now been confirmed.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, expressed enthusiasm about the change: “We are very excited to reveal that the 2025 and 2026 season openers will be the Thai Grand Prix at Buriram. Southeast Asia is one of our most important markets, both for the sport and for our factories and partners. Thailand plays a leading role in that, and the passion is clear to see in the huge crowds we enjoy at Buriram year on year.”

Ezpeleta highlighted the significance of Buriram’s inclusion in the MotoGP calendar, noting its instant popularity and the thrilling races the circuit has hosted since the first Thai GP in 2018. 

Over 800,000 fans have attended the events at Buriram, reflecting Thailand’s deep connection to MotoGP and the sport’s massive following in the region.

Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, emphasized the economic and tourism benefits of hosting the season opener. According to a statement, he noted that the event would stimulate the economy and generate substantial revenue in line with Thailand’s sports tourism policy. 

He also highlighted the excitement surrounding rider movements between teams for the 2025 season, which will add to the anticipation as fans eagerly await the unveiling of new team dynamics at the Chang International Circuit.

The full provisional 2025 FIM MotoGP calendar will be released later in the 2024 season, with all dates subject to final confirmation by the FIM.