MotoGP has announced that the Thailand GP will be the season-opener in 2025 and 2026 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram. The provisional date for the event is 28 February to 2 March 2025. This will be the first season-opener in South East Asia in over 25 years.
Thailand is a hugely important market for MotoGP, both for manufacturers and partners of the sport, with a passionate fan base and millions of motorcycles on its roads. Since the first Thai GP in 2018, more than 800,000 fans have attended the four events held in Buriram to date.
Let’s read what those primarily responsible for this decision have to say.
Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Thai Sports Representative:
“We recognise the many advantages of being the season opener. This is a great opportunity to capitalise on a world-class sporting event, stimulate the economy and generate substantial revenue, in line with the sports tourism policy. One of the factors that will make the 2025 season particularly exciting is the significant movement of riders between teams. This will undoubtedly captivate MotoGP fans around the world, who are eagerly awaiting to see the best riders on their new bikes for the first time at the Chang International Circuit.”
“After an off-season of almost four months, this will be the inaugural race where the new dynamics of the teams will be showcased. In addition, Dorna Sports, as the organiser of the event, plans to promote the start of the season extensively to raise awareness among motorsport fans around the world. On behalf of the Sports Authority of Thailand, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dorna Sports and assure them that Thailand is fully prepared in all aspects to host the opening round of the 2025 and 2026 seasons.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta happy to open with the Thailand GP:
“We are very pleased to reveal that the 2025 season-opener will be the Thai GP in Buriram. South East Asia is one of our most important markets, both for the sport and for our factories and partners. Thailand plays a pivotal role in this, and the passion it inspires is clearly seen in the huge crowds we enjoy in Buriram year after year. We know they will create an incredible atmosphere for the first round of the season.”
“As soon as Buriram was added to the calendar, it became an instant favourite. It’s easy to see why: it’s a fantastic place to enjoy MotoGP, with a layout designed to showcase the best of our racing up close – very much demonstrated by the incredible spectacle we enjoyed on track last season. We’re looking forward to returning later this year and returning in 2025 for a history-making start to the season.”
History was made the day Marc Márquez won his 8th and final world championship in 2019 at the Thailand GP.
The complete provisional 2025 MotoGP calendar will be published by the FIM at the end of the 2024 season.
