Key features of IndianOil MotoGP Grand Prix of India

Pune: As the motorcycle racing fever is beginning to grip India ahead of its maidenMotoGP™ race which is scheduled to take place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida from September 22 to 24 here are the key aspects of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India.

IndianOil Grand Prix of India: maiden MotoGP™ Bharat, the 13th race of the of the 2023 season has been rechristened IndianOil Grand Prix of India.

The race is the culmination of years of dedicated efforts to bring top-tier international Bike riders at the BIC for the first time.

1. Dates and Schedule of the Event
2. All the partners and sponsors information:

 Industry Partners: KTM India, Ducati India, Honda Racing India, Yamaha Motor India, Aprilia India, Michelin

Event Sponsors: Red Bull India, OLA, 24seven, Radio Mirchi 98.3, R.E. Rogers India

Medical Partners: Apollo Hospitals, MeduLance, Jaypee Hospital

Ticketing Partner: BookMyShow

Celebrations Partner: Bushmills India

3. Broadcasting Details: Sports 18 and Jio Cinema (OTT) in India.
4. How India is a potential market for MotoGP
5. Global Impact of MotoGP
6. Economic Impact of MotoGP when it happens in any country
7. About the race track (BIC) – Modifications done on the track
8. Important Stats Related to Participating Teams
9. Key Jargon one should know

IndianOil Grand Prix of India

All you need to know about

Dates, Schedule, Important Stats, Key terms, Economic Impact,

Broadcast Details and more

India is set to create a sporting milestone as the IndianOil Grand Prix of India marks the

Here is your detailed guide about everything that you need to know about the historic IndianOil Grand Prix of India:

Dates: September 22-24, 2023.

Location: Buddh International Circuit (BIC)., Greater Noida.

Broadcast Details

Title Sponsor: MotoGP™ Bharat Onboards IndianOil as Title Sponsor to Fuel Country’s

 

Biggest Racing Spectacle

Who is DORNA SPORTS

Dorna Sports is the Organizer of FIM World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGPTM) since 1991 and owns the exclusive commercial and television rights worldwide.

Who is FAIRSTREET SPORTS

Fairstreet Sports has been licensed the rights by Dorna Sports to organize the race in India for a period of seven years (from 2023 – 2029). And the fastest racing in the world is here in India, all set to create history.

Maiden MotoGP™ : THE ULTIMATE STATEMENT IN MOTOSPORTS!

1. There will be 20 RACES to be organized in 2023 with addition of India
2. 6 BIKES from the top Manufacturers of the world.
3. IndianOil Grand Prix of India weekend includes Moto2 and Moto3.
4. In all 41 TEAMS (motoGP™ 11, Moto2: 16, Moto3: 14)
5. 82 RIDERS: (MotoGP: 22, Moto2: 30, Moto3: 30).
6. Additional Sprint Race added to Saturday Calendar.

## Tech R&D hub for the biggest manufacturers in the world.

How India is a potential market for MotoGP (As per Nielsen Sports Fan Insights, 2022):

1. 1.4 Billion Population of India
2. 18 Mc Sold Annually
3. India is the No. 1 Bike Market Globally
4. 54 Mn Fan Base (With the maiden race yet to happen)
5. 66% Indian Luxury market majority spends are towards premium and luxury cars
6. Rs 45K the market size of premium bike sales in India

 

Historic for MotoGP

Moto E will be stepping out of Europe for the first time and MotoGP Bharat will have the honour

to do a curtain raiser in Asia for the first time. This year, the Moto E (electric race) will be a demonstrative one but from next year the race will be in the competitive category.

GLOBAL FOLLOWERSHIP OF MotoGPTM (As per Nielsen Sports Fan Insights, 2022)

MotoGPTM ranks among the TOP 10 of the world compared to other global sports events fanbase

Global Footprint

The broadcast will reach 450 million homes in 195 countries with the help of 90 broadcast network companies across the globe. MotoGPTM also has 480 million engagement globally across all social media platforms and 82% fans viewing MotoGPTM for over 6 years now.

The MEDIA magnitude at the time of the Race in India

The MotoGPTM age bifurcation which shows a very strong age agnostic audience that the sports enjoys. And interestingly it has 15% strong female viewership too.

About the Track (BIC): The fast-flowing track includes 13 challenging turns (8 right and 5 left). This year, Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM set the high-speed record at 366.1 Km/hr. India hopes to reach somewhere around 370 Km/hr, thanks to the long back straight, measuring 1006 metres. This straight stretch is divided into two parts – the first segment is downhill, that will allow the riders to achieve maximum acceleration, while the latter part, which is uphill, will enable them to brake late and maintain top speed. The parabola or the stadium section on turn 9 and 10, is the perfect camber for riders to slingshot out of the turns and permits them to push their bikes to the limit. The track’s surface gives exceptional grip to the tires, offering riders complete control over their machines. Meanwhile, safety measures have been bolstered with the installation of 1800 metres of new safety devicesthe  maidenMotoGP™  promises to be a landmark event in the world of motorsport.1.06 km- This is the length of the straight, making BIC one of the fastest circuits on the calendar

 

MAJOR MODIFICATIONS DONE ON THE TRACK

1. Track has been modified to suite car and bike racing to the level of MotoGP
2. Asphalt has been reduced and gravel has been increased to make the track safe for bike racing.
3. Gravel work is done in various turns to absorb the speeding bikes if any unfortunate incident takes place.
4. Installations of 1800m approx. of new safety devices.
5. Type A Air Fence, Type A Foam Safety Barriers along with Type C Foam barriers have been imported from Austria and Italy to be installed with all latest safety technologies at the high impact zone (corners)
6. A special red and white colour is used make the Track Kerbs (boundary markers)

 

Schedule (TIMES ARE TENTATIVE)

September 22, Friday

Practice 1: 4:00 Pm to 5:10 Pm IST

September 23, Saturday

Practice 2: 10:40 Am to 11:10 Am IST

Qualifying 1: 11:20 Am to 11:35 Am IST

Qualifying 2: 11:45 Am to 12:00 Pm IST

Tissot Sprint: 3:30 pm IST

September 24, Sunday

Warm-up: 11:10 am to 11:20 am IST

Race: 3:30 pm IST

Important Stats related to the Team

 20 – Total Number of races in a season including the Indian GP

 366.1 KpH- This is top record-breaking speed achieved by Brad Binder at Mugello in June this season

 1.06 km- This is the length of the straight, making BIC one of the fastest circuits on the

 

Calendar

 38- Ducati has maintained an impressive streak of 38 consecutive MotoGP™ Grand Prix races with at least one of their riders, including Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, and

Francesco Bagnaia, securing a spot on the podium.

 24- This is the number of laps in the MotoGP race, competitors will cover a cumulative distance of approximately 118.97 kilometers.

 9- Martin’s victory in Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli marks the ninth win for

Ducati in the current season, a total that falls three short of the twelve victories achieved by the Bologna factory in the previous year.

 5- Victories and 283 points, Bagnaia remains the reigning champion of MotoGP.

 5- This season, featuring Martin, Bezzecchi, and Bagnaia, marks the fifth occurrence of an all-Ducati podium at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, following previous instances in Argentina, France, Italy, and Germany.

 2- Martin secured a double victory at the San Marino GP, clinching both the Tissot Sprint and GP wins for the second time this season, following his earlier success at the German GP.

The ECONOMIC IMPACT OF A RACE WHEN IT’S HOSTED IN ANY COUNTRY

The areas where the economic impact will be visible. A special Conclave “UP INVEST” will be organized on the sidelines of MotoGP Bharat where 300 CXOs’ and global representatives will be participating and the Conclave will be chaired by Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath. UP is also the host state for the Race.

Key Jargons you need to know:

Pit Lane:

Situated typically alongside the start-finish straight at a racetrack, the pit lane accommodates the team garages for competing teams. Riders use the pit lane to commence their sessions and return to it to make essential adjustments such as changing bike, or modifying settings, among other tasks during sessions. Additionally, it serves as the destination for riders once their sessions conclude.

 

Pit Lane Opening

The pit lane opens 30 minutes before the warm-up lap granting riders a five-minute window to exit the pitlane and take their pit positions where their respective teams will be waiting.

 

Starting Grid

This is the designated position where riders line up and commence their race. Comprising three riders per row, the grid’s arrangement is determined based on their performance in qualifying.

 

Minute Boards:

Three types of minute boards are displayed during the race, one is a five-minute board, followed by a three minute and lastly the one-minute board.

1. a) Five Minute Board

A five-minute board will be displayed on the grid to indicate teams, guests and everyone except two mechanics to leave the grid.

1. b) Three Minute Board

At the three-minute mark, all equipment should be cleared from the grid and only two mechanics and the umbrella holder will be staying back with the riders.

1. c) One Minute Board

When the one-minute board is displayed everyone except the riders must leave the grid. The bikes should be ready to start, with the engine running just 30 seconds before the warm-up lap begins.

 

Track Kerbs:

Typically adorned with two distinct colours (here it is Red and White) and frequently positioned prominently either on or immediately after corners. These kerbs serve as boundary markers for the track, aiding riders in navigating corners during both entry and exit phases.

Parc Fermé:

Derived from French, “parc fermé” translates to “closed park.” It serves as a secure zone where motorcycles are directed at the conclusion of qualifying sessions and races. In the past, all motorcycles were routed to parc fermé following races in preparation for technical inspections. These days, parc fermé is the designated area where the top three qualifiers or the top three finishers in a race come together.

Pole Position:

The top spot on the starting grid is known as the pole position. The rider who records the fastest time during qualifying secures the pole position for the upcoming race.

Medical Car:

The vehicle is positioned at the rear of the grid at the commencement of a race. During the first lap of the race, it trails the riders before retreating into the pit lane. Its presence is essential to ensure prompt medical assistance in case of an incident on the opening lap. Additionally, the safety car is dispatched to assess track conditions when needed.

 

Rider Profiles

TEAM: Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team

1. Fabio Quartararo (France)

Having been mightily impressive as a MotoGP™ rookie in 2019 and adding wins to his arsenal in 2020, Fabio Quartararo became France’s inaugural premier class World

Champion in 2021. A year later, Quartararo finished runner-up following a fascinating title fight with Francesco Bagnaia that was decided at the final race of the season. 2023 hasn’t gone to plan for Quartararo and Yamaha so far as an underperforming YZR-M1 has led to the Frenchman standing on a Sunday podium just once – P3 at the Grand Prix of The Americas.

 

2. Franco Morbidelli (Italy)

Moving into MotoGP™ in 2018 as the reigning Moto2™ World Champion, Morbidelli shone in 2020 when he finished runner-up in the Championship. That form saw him among the leading contenders for title glory in 2021, but a knee injury hampered his season. In the same year, Morbidelli partnered Quartararo at Monster Energy Yamaha. A disappointing 2022 has been followed by another quiet year on an underperforming Yamaha, as Morbidelli gets ready for a fresh chapter in his career in 2024.

 

TEAM: Ducati Lenovo

1. Francesco Bagnaia (Italy)

Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia arrived in MotoGP™ in 2019 having claimed the 2018 Moto2™ title. A debut MotoGP™ win came at Aragon in 2021 but a title charge ultimately slipped through his fingers. However, 2022 was a different story. Despite a slow start which saw him sit 91 points behind Quartararo, Bagnaia produced a stellar second half of 2022 to ultimately put him in a position to clinch the crown at the season finale. Sporting the #1 for the 2023 season, Pecco has been the rider to beat. Five Sunday victories, including three Sprint and Race doubles, sees the Italian lead the title race heading into the closing stage of the year.

 

2. Enea Bastianini (Italy)

Enea Bastianini, aka ‘The Beast’, won the 2020 Moto2™ World Championship and quickly made a name for himself in the premier class. The Italian picked up a maiden MotoGP™ podium in his rookie season, and the start of his sophomore brought a debut win. Bastianini, despite being on a year-old bike at Gresini, won four races and finished third in the standings. A stunning year earned him a factory seat alongside Bagnaia for 2023, but a shoulder blade injury sustained in Portugal has hampered his year. At the Catalan GP, Bastianini injured his left ankle and hand and will unfortunately be sidelined until after the Japanese GP.

 

TEAM: Aprilia Racing

1. Aleix Espargaro (Spain)

Aged 34, Aleix Espargaro is the oldest rider on the grid as the Spaniard competes in his

13th consecutive premier class campaign. Espargaro’s debut podium came in 2014 riding an under powered Forward Yamaha, and after two years with Suzuki, his Aprilia adventure began in 2017. Tough years unfolded until a first rostrum with Aprilia came in 2021. Then, in 2022, Espargaro won his first GP and handed Aprilia their first in MotoGP™, with a hugely positive year ending with a P4 in the Championship. 2023 started slowly but Espargaro returned to winning ways with a double victory at the CatalanGP.

 

2. Maverick Vinales (Spain)

2013 Moto3™ World Champion Maverick Viñales has been a MotoGP™ mainstay since 2015. The Spaniard claimed a debut win in the class at Silverstone in 2016 – Suzuki’sfirst win in almost a decade – before moving to Yamaha in 2017. After eight wins and plenty of podiums, Viñales’ successful relationship with Yamaha ended controversially midway through 2021 before a new chapter began at Aprilia. Viñales has four podiums so far with the Noale factory – two in 2022 and two in 2023 – as the partnership goes from strength to strength.

 

TEAM: Repsol Honda Team

1. Marc Marquez (Spain)

At just 20 years and 266 days, Marc Marquez remains the youngest ever premier class

winner. The Spaniard is regarded as one of the GOAT’s and boasts eight World Championships, including six in MotoGP™ between 2013 and 2019. In 2020, a crash at the Spanish GP saw the #93 sustain a right humerus fracture that would keep him out of action until 2021. Four surgeries later, Marquez returned in 2023 fully fit and ready to fight for the title again. However, 2023 hasn’t gone to plan as injuries and a struggling Honda has made for a tough campaign for the elder Marquez brother. Does a turn in fortune await?

 

2: Joan Mir (Spain)

Following Suzuki’s unexpected departure from MotoGP™ in 2022, 2020 MotoGP™ World Champion Joan Mir finds himself in the Repsol Honda ranks for the 2023 MotoGP™ season. It’s been the Spaniard’s toughest year to date as Honda’s struggles continue, with injuries blighting Mir’s first season with the iconic factory. The double World Champion will be aiming to end the season on a high ahead of 2024.

 

TEAM: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

1. Jack Miller (Australia)

Jack Miller’s rise to MotoGP™ is unique as the Australian jumped straight to the premier class from Moto3™ in 2015. A debut win was earned in 2016 on an Independent Team Honda at Assen before Miller enjoyed a fruitful few years with Ducati – first at Prima Pramac, then in the factory set up – before switching to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2023, his third MotoGP™ manufacturer. Miller has tasted Sprint podium success already, but awaits Sunday success in factory orange.

 

2. Brad Binder (South Africa)

2016 Moto3™ World Champion Brad Binder is embarking on his fourth MotoGP™ campaign with Red Bull KTM. Having won his third-ever premier class race, a trickier than hopes couple of seasons have been endured by KTM and Binder in 2021 and 2022, but 2023 has been a welcome return to form for both rider and factory. Big things await for the South African, who will be with KTM until at least the end of 2026.

 

TEAM: Gresini Racing MotoGP (Ducati)

 

1. Álex Márquez (Spain)

The younger Marquez sibling is a double World Champion in his own right, with Alex claiming the 2014 Moto3™ and 2019 Moto2™ titles. Back-to-back P2s came in his rookie MotoGP™ season with Repsol Honda, before two difficult years were experienced at LCR Honda. A fresh start at Gresini Racing was just what was needed for 2023 though, with Marquez already a Sunday podium finisher and Sprint winner in his first year with Ducati.

 

2. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Italy)

Joining the premier class in 2022 as a Moto3™ and Moto2™ race winner, Fabio Di Giannantonio’s standout moment in his rookie campaign came when he claimed pole at his home Grand Prix at Mugello. ‘Diggia’ stayed with Gresini for 2023 and has climbed into the top 10 on five occasions on a Sunday, as the Italian eyes plenty more of those results between now and the end of the season.

 

TEAM: Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati)

1. Johann Zarco (France)

Johann Zarco is a back-to-back Moto2™ World Champion in 2015 and 2016, before the Frenchman linked up with Tech3 Yamaha in 2017 in MotoGP™. After an impressive stint with Yamaha and a disappointing time at KTM in 2019, Zarco found a new home at Ducati in 2020. Now into his fourth season – his third with Prima Pramac – the #5 with the Bologna factory, Zarco has notched up 13 podiums to add to his tally of six with Yamaha. That maiden MotoGP™ win remains unreached, will it come before Zarco moves to Honda in 2024?

2. Jorge Martín Almoguera (Spain)

Nicknamed the ‘Martinator’, Jorge Martin rose through Moto3™ – a title he won in 2018