MotoGP India 2023: Organisers 'working relentlessly' to solve visa issues

India will host its first ever MotoGP race at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida (outskirts of Delhi) on 24 September, but ahead of it, visa issues have created chaos. Some of the riders and team officials, including six-time champion Marc Marquez, are awaiting their visas ahead of the weekend’s race.

Repsol Honda Team confirmed to news agency PTI that the arrival of its riders Marquez and Joan Mir has been delayed due to visa issues. Both were due to attend a promotional event on Wednesday but that has been cancelled.

“The riders are yet to reach India due to visa issues. So there was no option but to cancel tomorrow’s event,” a source told PTI on the Spanish riders.

Dorna Sports are the organisers and rights holders of the event. Fairstreet Sports are the local promoters.

Fairstreet told PTI that around 1800 visas needed to be applied for personnel in the paddock but a technical glitch in the application system caused the delay. However, they maintain most of the visas have been issued barring a few lacking proper documentation.

“The visa were applied on September 5 but due to a technical glitch on the part of the travel agency, the delay happened. 600 visa applications were pending till yesterday, now most of them have been cleared including the visa of Marquez.

“Few individuals who have not filled up the form properly are left. You can’t do anything about that as one has to follow law of the land. Majority of the team officials and riders are already here,” said a source.

In an official statement, the organisers said, “We regret the unforeseen delays in the visa issuance process. Please understand that this is not a reflection on our dedication and hard work. It’s an unforeseen technical glitch that’s part and parcel of the challenges faced during inaugural events like this. We’re happy to announce that most of the visas have already been processed, with many more on the horizon.”

“Our teams are tirelessly working around the clock to ensure that every participant, from riders to technical officials, receives their visa promptly.”

“We recognise the significance of a smooth experience for everyone involved and kindly request your patience and cooperation during this time.”

If there are further delays, MotoGP can exercise the option of running Friday’s session partially or fully. Such a measure was adopted during the Argentine GP when freight arrived late to Termas de Rio Hondo.

India last hosted a motorsport event of this magnitude for the first time since the now-defunct Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix. The race was dropped from the calendar after the 2013 season due to financial, taxation and bureaucratic issues.

Dorna and Fairstreet have signed a seven-year MoU for the race in India but the event’s future depends largely on how this weekend unfolds.

Earlier in the year year, India hosted its first FIA World Championship status in 10 years when the Formula E race was held in Hyderabad. It is unlikely that the championships will return next year after not finding a place on the provisional calendar for 2024.