Thailand MotoGP future uncertain as contract renewal in doubt

Buriram could drop off the MotoGP calendar after 2026 amid government funding concerns.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Ducati Lenovo Team (L) and Alex Marquez of Spain and BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP (R) ride during the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 2, 2025. Photo by Mohd Rasfan/AFP

By Hayu Andini and Widya Putri

The Thailand MotoGP, which has been a fixture on the calendar since 2018, may not continue beyond 2026. Reports from Thai media suggest that Buriram, which hosted the season-opening Thai Grand Prix this weekend, could be removed from the MotoGP schedule due to the government’s decision not to renew the event’s contract.

Government funding concerns put Thai Grand Prix at risk

According to Newin Chidchob, chairman of Chang International Circuit in Buriram province, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has indicated that the 2026 edition could be the last MotoGP event held in the country. The decision appears to stem from financial considerations, with the government reportedly unwilling to continue investing in the event.

Newin expressed his disappointment over the potential cancellation, stating, “I deeply regret this decision, as the government would only need to invest 500 million baht per year [15 million USD], while private sponsors would contribute 300 million [9 million USD] baht annually, yet the event generates 5 billion baht in revenue for the country.”

Despite the financial benefits that the Thailand MotoGP brings to the local economy, it appears that government backing may no longer be sufficient to secure the event’s future.

A popular event with strong fan support

The Thai Grand Prix has been held six times since its debut in 2018, consistently drawing large crowds. The 2025 event attracted a record 224,634 spectators over the weekend, with a Sunday attendance of 99,778 fans.

MotoGP’s popularity in Thailand has been further boosted by the presence of a homegrown rider, Somkiat Chantra, who made his premier-class debut for LCR Honda at Buriram this weekend. His participation has helped drive local interest in the sport, making the potential loss of the event even more significant for Thai motorsport fans.

Thailand’s possible shift to Formula 1

In a separate post, Newin seemed to confirm speculation that Thailand is exploring the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix. If true, this could provide a possible explanation for the government’s decision to scale back its MotoGP support.

The introduction of F1 to Thailand would represent a major shift in the country’s motorsport priorities. However, securing an F1 race would require significant financial investment, potentially limiting the funds available to continue hosting MotoGP.

Ongoing negotiations with Dorna Sports

Despite reports of the government’s decision, SAT governor Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee has stated that negotiations with Dorna Sports, MotoGP’s commercial rights holder, are still ongoing. He emphasized that SAT remains interested in securing a contract extension and continuing to host the event.

Bangkok was recently chosen as the venue for MotoGP’s first-ever pre-season launch, further highlighting Thailand’s importance to the sport. Additionally, Buriram hosted the final pre-season test just over a week before this year’s grand prix, reinforcing its role as a key location on the MotoGP calendar.

For now, Buriram remains set to host the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season, but beyond that, the future of the Thailand Grand Prix remains uncertain. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if negotiations with Dorna Sports lead to a contract renewal or if the Thai MotoGP is set to disappear from the calendar.