Let's talk MotoGP: What is the new circuit worth in India?

In 2023, we will have the chance to visit two new countries. First at Kazakhstan in June, then in India end of September. The first of these two Grands Prix will take place on the track of Sokol, inaugurated in 2019, which has not yet hosted a major event. On the other hand, the Buddh circuit, in India, already has a rich history. Let's look at it.

I) A country that makes sense

First of all, let's come back to the choice of India before talking about the route. We think this is an excellent idea, because the emerging country is very motorized, like most South-Southeast Asian nations. Although they favor light two-wheelers for obvious reasons (reduced costs, practicality, etc.), they nonetheless remain fervent supporters of our MotoGP riders. This was the case in Malaysia, but even more so in Thailand or Indonesia. So, these people do not need to have a representative at the highest level to be passionate, and that is a very good thing. Many Europeans should take note. Coming to Buddh is a compelling idea because India, in particular, is a growing market.

To return to the location which will host the MotoGP paddock, it is located in the North of the country, namely in the State ofUttar Pradesh, not far from the town of Greater Noida, about thirty kilometers southeast of the city center of New Delhi, the capital.

II) A popular circuit but which must prove itself

Opened in 2011, MotoGP will not be the first major category it will host. Indeed, the Formula 1 has already set up there three times from 2011 to 2013, which gives us a good reference. Moreover, the pilots spoke highly of it, notably Lewis Hamilton who even dared to compare with Spa-Francorchamps. We will notify you immediately. In fact, nothing to do with the legendary Belgian circuit that we have all been waiting for patiently since the recent developments.

More than five kilometers long, the only connection with Spa is the height difference. Unfortunately, this is yet another “Tilkedrome” with all the characteristics that we know. There is some incline, some ups and downs, but other than that, Buddh is a circuit “like any other”, and the absence of gravel traps, the disproportionate width of the track in places like the endless turns created to force overtaking are more reminiscent Portimão than anything else.

We have nothing against the Portuguese Grand Prix, and it is true that the roller coasters add charm but we are still waiting for the first interesting race on this circuit, although we have already visited it four times. Be careful, perhaps he will make us lie, and that is all we are asking, but we are rather pessimistic about the spectacle on track. Moreover, the three editions of the Indian Grand Prix in Formula 1 have not experienced any suspense, with three clear successes for Sebastian Vettel. It was here, on the occasion of his last world title in 2013, that he knelt in front of his Red Bull-Renault, a strong image in the modern history of the discipline.

 

For predictions, wait for machines with engine because it is very fast, with a huge straight line of more than a kilometer; Jlike Alguersuari, then at Toro Rosso in F1, was flashed there at 342,2 km/h, a record which will undoubtedly be beaten by our MotoGP.

II) Don't do the Finland thing again

We have to warn you: Buddh has already had big problems in the past, and the race may never see the light of day if things remain unchanged for ten years. As early as 2009, a dark affair of payments not made by Formula 1 emerged. The matter is relatively complex. It even involves state policy, and concerns a singularity linked to tax. We'll spare you the details, but already in 2013, the holding of the Formula 1 Grand Prix was debated. Since then, the circuit fell into disuse, and all plans for a revival fell through. In 2012, the final of the fire championship FIA GT1 was canceled, as was the introduction of Superbike in 2013, never made official. Something to keep in mind: be careful not to be faked like with the Kymi Ring in Finland.

Now you know everything about this new Grand Prix! What do you expect? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Shobhit Gosain