MotoGP Eyes 2027 for Revival of Chinese Grand Prix After Nearly Two-Decade Hiatus

MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports is actively pursuing a plan to reinstate the Chinese Grand Prix on the championship calendar, marking a potential return to the East Asian nation after a 17-year absence, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Shanghai International Circuit previously hosted MotoGP races from 2005 to 2008. During this period, iconic riders such as Valentino Rossi (2005, 2008), Dani Pedrosa (2006), and Casey Stoner (2007) secured victories, establishing a brief but memorable chapter in the sport’s history. The Shanghai circuit, also home to the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, was designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 2004. The track’s layout features a mix of high-speed straights and challenging corners, offering a demanding test for both riders and machines.

A delegation of Dorna Sports executives, including CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his son Carlos Ezpeleta, the championship’s sporting director, recently traveled to Shanghai to accelerate the process of bringing MotoGP back to China. The visit, which took place between the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix in October, underscores the seriousness of Dorna’s intentions.

The earliest possible return for the Chinese Grand Prix is projected for 2027. The Dorna delegation also included a visit to a manufacturing facility of CFMoto, a Chinese brand currently partnered with KTM. CFMoto’s increasing involvement in MotoGP has positioned it as a potential key player in the return of the Chinese Grand Prix.

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Dorna’s primary objective is to ensure that the new project avoids the pitfalls that led to the premature termination of the original contract. The initial agreement was intended to keep the Chinese Grand Prix on the calendar until 2011, but issues such as poor attendance and limited local interest, attributed to inadequate promotion, led to its early demise.

The previous attempt to establish MotoGP in China was also marred by complications beyond the track. Yu Zhifei, the former director of the Shanghai International Circuit, was sentenced to four years in prison for embezzling approximately €100,000. This financial scandal further complicated the already challenging environment for the race’s sustainability.

This time, Dorna and local authorities are reportedly advocating for a collaborative organizational model involving multiple stakeholders in both the event’s management and promotion. This approach aims to foster greater local engagement and ensure the long-term viability of the Chinese Grand Prix.

CFMoto is expected to play a pivotal role in this new organizational structure. Since its debut in 2022, the company has steadily increased its presence in the MotoGP paddock. CFMoto’s partnership with KTM has provided it with a platform to showcase its capabilities and build its brand recognition within the racing community. Although CFMoto’s strong bid to become the sole Moto3 bike supplier from 2028 was ultimately unsuccessful, with Yamaha securing the contract, the company remains a significant player in the sport.

In addition to CFMoto, Juss Sports, the promoter responsible for organizing the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix since 2004, is also expected to be involved in the MotoGP project. Juss Sports’ experience in managing large-scale international sporting events in China could prove invaluable in ensuring the success of the revived MotoGP race.

The return of MotoGP to China would represent a significant milestone for the sport, opening up new opportunities for growth and expansion in the world’s most populous country. The Chinese market holds immense potential for MotoGP, with a growing interest in motorsports and a large fan base eager to embrace the excitement of grand prix racing.

MotoGP’s current calendar features races in several Asian countries, including Qatar, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, reflecting the sport’s increasing popularity in the region. Adding China to the calendar would further solidify MotoGP’s presence in Asia and provide a platform to reach a new generation of fans.

The MotoGP World Championship is a global series that attracts millions of viewers and spectators each year. The championship features the world’s top motorcycle racers competing on prototype machines developed by leading manufacturers such as Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, KTM, and Aprilia.

The 2023 season was dominated by Ducati, with Francesco Bagnaia winning his second consecutive world title. Bagnaia’s victory marked Ducati’s third riders’ championship in the MotoGP era, following Casey Stoner’s triumph in 2007 and Bagnaia’s first title in 2022. Jorge Martin, riding for the Pramac Ducati satellite team, finished second in the championship, while Marco Bezzecchi, also on a Ducati, secured third place.

The 2024 season promises to be another thrilling year of racing, with several riders expected to challenge for the title. Bagnaia will be looking to defend his crown, while Martin and Bezzecchi will be eager to mount a stronger challenge. Other riders to watch include Enea Bastianini (Ducati), Brad Binder (KTM), and Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha).

The technical regulations for MotoGP are constantly evolving, with manufacturers continually developing new technologies to improve the performance of their machines. Aerodynamics, engine performance, and electronics are key areas of focus, as teams strive to gain a competitive edge.

The tires used in MotoGP are supplied by Michelin, the official tire partner of the championship. Michelin provides a range of tire compounds to suit different track conditions and riding styles. The choice of tires is a critical factor in determining a rider’s performance, and teams work closely with Michelin engineers to optimize their tire strategy.

The future of MotoGP looks bright, with a growing global fan base and a commitment to innovation and technological advancement. The potential return of the Chinese Grand Prix would further enhance the sport’s appeal and solidify its position as one of the world’s premier motorsports championships. The collaborative approach involving Dorna, local authorities, and key stakeholders such as CFMoto and Juss Sports, signals a renewed effort to ensure the long-term success of MotoGP in China. The aim is to build a sustainable model that fosters local engagement and promotes the sport to a wider audience. The 2027 target date provides ample time to address the challenges and lay the groundwork for a successful return to the Shanghai International Circuit.