MOTOGP WILL RACE IN THAILAND FROM 2018

Thailand to host MotoGP round in 2018 – Photo: Supplied

MotoGP have confirmed that Thailand will host a round of the championship from 2018 for the first time.

The new three year deal, signed to today in Bangkok, will see an MotoGP race at Thailand’s Buriram United Circuit from next year.

Buriram is already well prepared for world class motorcycle racing, having hosted a round of the World Superbikes since 2015.

“We are happy that MotoGP is coming to Thailand” said General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand at the announcement.

“You can see that this is a very good deal for everyone, and all the stakeholders in motorsport fully support it.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO Dorna Sports was also happy with the addition of Thailand to the 2018 schedule.

“Thailand is a big consumer of bikes also and they are happy to use MotoGP to develop tourism here in Thailand,” said Ezpeleta.

“We are very proud to have made this agreement with the Thai government.

“The races here so far have been Superbike – who will also renew the contract in the near future – and we see that there’s a lot of expectation. MotoGP has had a lot of interest in Thailand, and it’s sure to be a Grand Prix with a lot of interest from everyone.

“We need to fix some of the dates but the calendar is finished, and I hope we can soon announce the draft calendar for 2018.”

This is the second new MotoGP venue to be confirmed this year, with plans underway to add a round in Finland in 2019. The addition of Thailand and Finland will see the championship expand 20 rounds from 2019. The maximum allowed under Dorna’s current contract with the manufacturers and private teams.

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