History is about to be made at the Buddh International Circuit as India hosts its first-ever MotoGP race, the IndianOil Grand Prix of India. The 13th race of the 2023 MotoGP season has attracted the finest bike racers from around the globe, promising three days of exhilarating action at speeds exceeding 300kmph.
Indian Moto GP Race Schedule and Details
Date: September 22-24, 2023 Location: Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida Broadcast: Sports 18 and Jio Cinema (OTT)
Race Timings:
- 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
MotoGP Participating Teams and Riders
A total of 82 riders from MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 will vie for victory. The distribution among the races is as follows:
- MotoGP: 22
- Moto2: 30
- Moto3: 30
About the Buddh International Circuit
Situated in Dankaur, near Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the Buddh International Circuit is a high-speed track boasting 13 challenging turns. This year, Brad Binderof Red Bull KTM set a staggering record speed of 366.1 Km/hr. With a lengthy back straight of 1006 meters, India aims to surpass 370 Km/hr, capitalizing on the downhill segment for acceleration and the uphill portion for maintaining top speed. The parabolic turns 9 and 10 provide riders with the ideal camber for a powerful exit, enabling them to push their bikes to the limits.
The track’s surface offers exceptional grip, granting riders complete control over their machines. Safety measures have been fortified with the addition of 1800 meters of new safety devices. With a straight measuring 1.06 km, BIC ranks among the fastest circuits on the calendar.
Track Modifications for MotoGP
Originally designed for Formula-1 races, the track underwent significant modifications to meet the requirements of MotoGP racing. These changes include:
- Modification to suit both car and bike racing at the MotoGP level.
- Reduction of asphalt and increase of gravel for enhanced safety in bike racing.
- Gravel work in various turns to absorb high-speeding bikes in case of an unfortunate incident.
- Installation of approximately 1800 meters of new safety devices.
- Importation of Type A Air Fence, Type A Foam Safety Barriers, and Type C Foam barriers from Austria and Italy for installation at high impact zones (corners).
- Use of distinctive red and white colors for Track Kerbs (boundary markers).
Key Statistics
- Total races in a season: 20, including the Indian GP
- Top recorded speed: 366.1 Kmph, achieved by Brad Binder at Mugello in June this season
- Length of the straight: 1.06 km, making BIC one of the fastest circuits on the calendar
- Consecutive MotoGP Grand Prix races with at least one Ducati rider on the podium: 38
- Total laps in the MotoGP race: 24, covering approximately 118.97 kilometers
- Ducati’s wins in the current season: 9, three short of the previous year’s twelve victories
- Reigning champion of MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia with 5 victories and 283 points
BMW Safety Vehicles
BMW M vehicles took the spotlight at the inaugural MotoGP™ Bharat in India. The lineup featured the BMW M2, BMW M3 Touring, BMW M5 CS, and BMW M 1000 RR as official safety vehicles, essential for ensuring smooth race operations. President of BMW Group India, Mr. Vikram Pawah, expressed excitement about the debut of MotoGP™ in India and the unique opportunity it presents for fans to witness these high-performance safety vehicles in action alongside their favorite riders.
Members of the BMW Excellence Club were in for an extraordinary MotoGP™ experience. They enjoyed exclusive access, including behind-the-scenes encounters with MotoGP™ stars, guided paddock tours, and the chance to ride in one of the BMW M Safety Cars. The BMW M2 MotoGP™ Safety Car, equipped with top-notch safety features, showcased its 460 hp TwinPower turbo engine, while the BMW M3 Touring MotoGP™ Safety Car combined performance with practicality. Its striking livery paid tribute to 50 years of BMW M and the MotoGP™ partnership.
The BMW M5 CS MotoGP™ Safety Car boasted a Frozen Deep Green metallic finish and impressive speed capabilities, reaching 0-100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. It featured a specially designed livery, emphasizing its powerful presence. The BMW M 1000 RR MotoGP™ Safety Bike, designed for the track, offered enhanced aerodynamics and carbon components, allowing for a top speed of 314 km/h.
BMW M’s enduring collaboration with MotoGP™, spanning over two decades, showcases their shared values of high performance and motorsport excellence. The Safety Cars, embodying BMW M’s dynamic prowess, have played a vital role in the MotoGP™ experience since 1999.
Closing Thoughts
The IndianOil Grand Prix of India at the Buddh International Circuit promises to be a momentous event in the world of motorsport. With a historic first for India, the race is set to captivate audiences and leave a lasting mark in the annals of MotoGP history. Don’t miss the heart-pounding action on September 22-24, 2023!