The Ultimate Spectacle: Monsoon Thrills, Bollywood Glamour, and an Enigmatic Monkey Unveil India's Epic MotoGP Extravaganza

During the early 2010s, the Buddh International Circuit, located on the outskirts of New Delhi, served as an ideal venue for Formula One racing. This expansive, modern facility, designed specifically for the sport, represented India's aspirations and hosted a truly international event, capturing the attention of the global audience.

However, in 2013, the F1 circus unexpectedly departed, leaving the circuit abandoned and devoid of activity. The gates were secured, and the once bustling paddock fell into hushed stillness.

After ten years of being exclusive to local motorsport enthusiasts, the 110,000-capacity venue finally welcomed global competition last week with the arrival of MotoGP, the two-wheeled equivalent of Formula 1. This international series, spanning across 20 rounds in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North and South America, made its way to India leaving the over 1,000 people in its traveling circus uncertain about what awaited them.

Bezzecchi, the winner of the thrilling Indian MotoGP Grand Prix, takes the center stage on the podium, flanked by the impressive performance of Prima Pramac Racing's Jorge Martin, who secured second place. Completing the podium, we have the talented French rider Fabio Quartararo, representing Monster Energy Yamaha.

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Travel worries

Jorge Martin, the title challenger for Pramac Ducati, mentioned that India was an unfamiliar destination for many drivers, and some had concerns about the condition of the track. Hervé Poncharal, the Team Principal of the GasGas Tech3 team, who played a crucial role in founding the IRTA, expressed additional worries about the aggressive timetable set for this new and complex event. Poncharal serves as a bridge between the teams and the sports administrator, Dorna.

Last year, during a chance encounter, Poncharal had a conversation with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. In their discussion, Ezpeleta mentioned the potential interest in organizing an Indian MotoGP Grand Prix. Initially, Poncharal assumed that the race would be scheduled for 2024, considering the extensive planning required. However, when he learned that the event would take place this year, he exclaimed, "Wow, 2023 is going to be a challenging task."

Bezzecchi waves to spectators after the Indian MotoGP Grand Prix.

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Cars versus bikes

Doubts loomed among both enthusiasts and experts when the announcement of the Indian MotoGP Grand Prix was made, as they questioned the event's feasibility, particularly after the postponement of a newly added race in Kazakhstan, set for 2023.

"It was truly incredible. We consider this track our playground, so when we unexpectedly saw MotoGP on the calendar, it took us by surprise," shared Ikjot Singh Bhasin, an Indian bike enthusiast and amateur race organizer, with CNN Sport. "The news was thrilling, but to be honest, it seemed quite daunting."

Having previously visited the Buddh Circuit, Paolo Ciabatti, the Team Principal of the factory Ducati Lenovo team, recognized its immense promise.

"I arrived at this location in 2018 for a promotional event and was immediately captivated by the awe-inspiring structure. However, it was evident that it had fallen into a state of near abandonment," Ciabatti disclosed.

"As is common with all Formula One circuits, what makes them truly impressive is their sheer scale and infrastructure. Yet, when it comes to accommodating motorcycle races, these tracks may not be ideal. Cars require ample asphalt runoff areas, whereas for bikes, quick access to gravel traps is essential for swiftly decelerating both the bike and its rider."

When MotoGP finally gained access to the paddock buildings, it was akin to uncovering a time capsule. The walls still bore remnants of F1 signage from a decade prior.

CNN interviewed Poncharal, who shared an intriguing anecdote about the hospitality area. Allegedly, they stumbled upon food from 10 years ago in the kitchens, which had deteriorated to the point of resembling dust.

"So, you could see that, Formula One, when they finished the race, locked everything, and everybody went," said Herve Poncharal of the Buddh Circuit.

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Preparing to race on Playstation

When teams arrived in Delhi last week, they were welcomed by a massive billboard adorned with MotoGP and Tissot branding near the airport. The billboard displayed a countdown timer for the upcoming race.

Prior to the MotoGP event, New Delhi underwent thorough cleaning reminiscent of the preparations for the recent G20 summit. Similar to the G20, the race branding also included the name Bharat, instead of India.

Street lamps lining the path towards the Buddh Circuit radiated a vibrant assortment of orange, white, and green lights, serving as a lively expression of Indian patriotism. Yet, as one drew nearer to the circuit, a noticeable shift occurred as the poles became adorned in a striking shade of red, evoking an unmistakable Italian ambiance rather than the expected Indian aesthetic. Considering Ducatis undeniable MotoGP supremacy and the significant presence of Italian riders vying for victory, this coincidental contrast seemed fitting and befittingly appropriate.

Italy's Marco Bezzecchi, another talented Ducati rider competing for triumphs, revealed to CNN Sport that he had been utilizing PlayStation to familiarize himself with the unfamiliar track.

"I attempt to find online resources, such as YouTube videos, to gain a better understanding of the track and how to navigate the new corners and braking points. It's challenging to find footage of riders going very, very fast, but I still try to find some reference," he clarified.

"I endeavor to observe every possible aspect, gaining insights from playing the MotoGP video game to gain a better understanding. Additionally, I collaborate closely with the team, focusing on the intricacies of the tires, gear, and other elements, to thoroughly analyze and comprehend every detail."

Indian bike enthusiast & race promoter, Ikjot Singh Bhasin.

Jonathan Hawkins/CNN

Visa issues

Travel complications further plagued the preparations of MotoGP circus, as visa delays resulted in numerous trips being rescheduled or abandoned altogether. Notably, even the arrival of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez was delayed by a day, causing him to miss a significant event arranged by Honda for 2,000 attendees at their India headquarters.

Martin anxiously awaited his father's visa, recounting to CNN, "My dad received the visa merely an hour before our flight. It was definitely nerve-wracking to come here alone. Although I have done it before, I have grown accustomed to always being alongside my father. Hence, waiting for his visa felt peculiar. Thankfully, everything turned out fine in the end."

Poncharal expressed optimism stating, "Certainly, we had to reschedule some tickets. Indeed, we might have spent an additional night at the airport. However, right from the beginning, it was evident that any additional expenses would be covered by the organizer. Consequently, everyone remained remarkably composed and arrived on time, albeit a few hours or a maximum of 12 to 15 hours later than the original schedule."

KTM's Jack Miller found a monkey in the team's garage.

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At the circuit itself, there were delightful surprises: Jack Miller, KTM's Australian rider, stumbled upon a massive monkey in the team's garage, much to the amusement of the laughter-inducing reporters.

"I was expecting something like a baboon - waiting for the pink butt! I remarked, boys, there's a monkey! We tossed some bananas up there, but he hasn't returned yet. We'll probably discover tonight. Nevertheless, yesterday, one of the boys had his coffee spilled and they couldn't figure out for the life of them what caused it... I suspect we may have identified the culprit."

Sebastian Vettel won his fourth F1 world title after winning the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in October 2013.

Andrew Hone/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

Despite the intense heat and humidity of Delhi in September, the atmosphere transformed into one filled with enthusiastic anticipation once the paddock was set up.

"Although not everyone may be, I am open-minded," Ciabatti remarked. "I'm not overly concerned about the food or anything else, really. I believe that this vast country with its numerous diversities, both in rural areas and urban centers, is manageable. So, it's alright. Personally, I am pleased that we are here."

After having the opportunity to test it out, the riders were quick to give their seal of approval to the track.

"During the track work on Wednesday, the majority of the riders expressed their astonishment, admitting that we underestimated this track. It has surpassed our expectations and the layout is absolutely fantastic," Poncharal stated.

Jorge Martin heads out on track before the Sprint race.

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Indias bike culture

India stands out as a unparalleled paradise for biking enthusiasts. It holds the prestigious title of being the largest motorcycle market worldwide, significantly outweighing others. In the year 2019, a staggering 17 million motorcycles and scooters were sold, constituting roughly 40% of all global sales, as reported by the Financial Times. Renowned manufacturers such as Honda, Triumph, and Pure Mobility, the proud owner of esteemed brands like KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas, have established substantial operations in this vibrant country.

In India, the average monthly salary for full-time workers is approximately $225, as reported by the latest government data. As a cost-effective means of transportation, motorcycles are highly popular, despite the surprise it may bring to newcomers who witness entire families of four traveling on a single motorcycle on expressways. The potential of the market has even captured the attention of premium brands like Ducati.

India, a rapidly advancing nation, is witnessing a growing number of individuals who are attaining wealth and developing an inclination towards possessing premium bikes," remarked Ciabatti.

Naturally, the success of the event would be insignificant if it failed to present thrilling races, yet both MotoGP class races over the weekend were brimming with captivating suspense.

The event, held towards the end of the monsoon season, always ran the risk of rain. As anticipated, the Saturday's Sprint race was delayed due to a heavy downpour that drenched the circuit. The scorching heat had already prompted the riders to request shorter races. Furthermore, concerns were raised by the riders about navigating a wet track for the first time, sparking discussions about the potential cancellation of the Sprint race.

Marc Marquez, the Spanish rider for Repsol Honda, and Suresh Raina, the former cricket player from India, can be seen riding together on a motorcycle prior to the Indian MotoGP Grand Prix. This exciting event takes place at the Buddh International Circuit, located in Greater Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi. Mark your calendars for September 21, 2023, as this is the date when this thrilling race will take place.

Following a brief pause for the track to dry, fans were thrilled with an exhilarating competition. Martin emerged as the winner, surpassing the current world champion Pecco Bagnaia, while Marquez, whose Honda tenure may be coming to an end due to a dismal season, surprisingly secured the third position.

Over 60,000 fans gathered on Sunday to witness the main GP, and were joined by popular Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, who made a dramatic appearance in the pit lane, basking in the excitement of the thrilled fans in the grandstand. Cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan were also present, receiving immense attention from both local journalists and fans in the paddock.

The presence of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, in his distinctive orange robes and accompanied by a massive security detail, caught the attention of MotoGP pit crews as he arrived at the circuit to attend a business roundtable with Ezpeleta.

Bezzecchi quickly took the lead, with Martin and Bagnaia battling for second place.

The crowd cheered as the bikes raced by, and gasped when Bagnaia lost control of his bike, causing it to crash into the gravel. Martin maintained his position in second place, narrowly beating a surprising challenge from Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo.

After the race, Bezzecchi, filled with joy, triumphantly ascended a television camera platform, while Quartararo energetically leaped over the paddock wall to acknowledge the now ecstatic Delhi crowd. Meanwhile, Martin, completely exhausted, necessitated medical attention after collapsing. "You don't experience this kind of excitement with Formula One," remarked a cheerful fan from the pit lane, flashing a wide smile.

Bezzecchi is third overall in the championship, 44 points behind Bagnaia after the Indian Grand Prix.

Jonathan Hawkins/CNN

More to come

After the first ever MotoGP in India, the Buddh International Circuit will be welcoming the series back again next year.

MotoGP's debut in India has been an exceptional triumph," stated Ezpeleta. "Exploring new circuits is always a thrilling experience, but India, especially Uttar Pradesh, holds immense potential for us. The racing and fan support have both been exceptional."

In an expression of the sentiment shared by local enthusiasts, Ikjot Singh Bhasin expressed, "As we gather here today, we can proudly declare that we have successfully organized the MotoGP, the India MotoGP Bharat, and it has been a phenomenal event."

Yes, despite the numerous issues and obstacles, one can gain valuable insights from them. Therefore, it is expected that the future will gradually improve. In India, the general knowledge about this sport is limited, but the achievement we have made within a short period is truly remarkable.