Concerns Rise Over Future of Thai MotoGP

The Thai Grand Prix at Buriram on March 2, 2025, has raised significant concerns about the future of MotoGP events in Thailand due to funding issues. Buriram track manager Newin Chidchob highlighted the challenges following the local government's potential withdrawal of financial support, despite the event's reported profitability. The region's premier, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, called for a thorough analysis of tourism data before finalizing decisions, while Sports Minister Gongsak Yodmanee reassured fans that the government has no intention of discontinuing MotoGP, citing record revenues exceeding 5 billion baht from the latest event.

Chidchob further lamented the possibility of removing the Thai round from the MotoGP calendar after 2026, a decision influenced by the Sports Authority of Thailand's reluctance to renew the event's contract. The 2025 event drew impressive attendance, attracting a total of 224,634 spectators, including nearly 100,000 on race day, underscoring its popularity. Additionally, the debut of Thai rider Somkiat Chantra in the premier class during the weekend stirred excitement and interest in the sport. Despite these challenges, negotiations for a contract extension with Dorna Sports signal a hopeful pursuit to maintain MotoGP's presence in Thailand.