The anticipation for India’s first-ever MotoGP race at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida from September 22-24, 2023, has been high. However, uncertainty loomed as the homologation process and track safety approvals were pending, with rider inspections scheduled for Thursday.
Adding to the uncertainty, several riders and teams faced flight rejections due to delayed visa approvals. Nevertheless, a collective effort from relevant stakeholders and government authorities ensured the timely issuance of e-visas, allowing the event to proceed as planned.
MotoGP’s official Twitter handle expressed their gratitude, thanking both the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Their collaborative efforts in securing last-minute visas for riders and team members ahead of the Indian Grand Prix were acknowledged with a heartfelt message: “We want to say a HUGE thank you to the governments of Uttar Pradesh and India, and everyone who’s worked so hard to get us to the #IndianGP! We’re so grateful for the effort and support to help the paddock prepare for the inaugural GP in India. शुक्रिया.”
This race marks a significant milestone as the first major motorsport event in India since the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix in 2013, and it is expected to draw a substantial crowd of enthusiastic fans. Despite initial visa challenges, organizers at Fairstreet Sports, with support from the state government, expressed confidence that all riders and teams will arrive in India as planned, and visas will be issued promptly. Their statement conveyed appreciation to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Government for their unwavering support and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safe and timely arrival of all race personnel.
