The MotoGP motorcycling series will continue to stage grands prix at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, until at least 2031 after renewing its contract with the country’s sports authority.
The renewal, struck with rights holder Dorna Sports, runs from 2027 to 2031, expanding on the Southeast Asian circuit’s presence on the MotoGP calendar since 2018. For the last two seasons, the Thai Grand Prix (GP) has served as the series’ season-opening race.
MotoGP chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta said: “Since we first went to Buriram in 2018, the Thai GP has only grown into a more and more important – and impressive – event.
“Thailand and Southeast Asia are key for MotoGP. Our sport is already popular with a sizeable audience, and there remains so much potential for us to grow even more.”
MotoGP has been consolidating its calendar since promoter Dorna Sports secured an unprecedented MotoGP rights renewal through 2060 in September 2024, with several contract extensions for existing circuits.
Most recently, it renewed contracts with the Misano circuit in Northern Italy and Germany’s iconic Sachsenring circuit until 2031, while announcing its return to Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, in 2027 after a three-decade absence.
Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, said: “The Thai GP is more than just a race; it is a strategic tool that drives the economy through sport tourism, generating both direct and indirect economic value across tourism, hotels, transportation, and supply chains.
“The Thai GP is a strategic asset that enhances the country’s global image, attracts international visitors, and fosters sustainable economic circulation.”
The renewal also comes as Thailand continues its bid to host a grand prix for motor racing’s iconic Formula 1, with a potential debut in 2028.
A government spokesperson in June said that the bid is for the hosting of five grands prix between 2028 and 2032, while the country's tourism minister, Sorawong Thienthong, reportedly said that the bid is worth around $1.23 billion overall.
If this submission is successful, F1 action will take place in the Thai capital of Bangkok, at a street circuit.
