Get ready for some thrilling news from the world of MotoGP! Thailand's racing future is about to take an exciting turn.
While Thailand's MotoGP rider, Somkiat Chantra, is rumored to be shifting gears to WorldSBK in 2026, the country has just secured a new five-year contract to keep the grand prix world championship buzzing. This is a huge deal, and it's not just about the racing - it's about the entire experience that Thailand brings to the MotoGP calendar.
According to The Nation, the new agreement, spanning from 2027 to 2031, is almost ready to be presented to the Thai Cabinet for the final stamp of approval. And here's where it gets interesting: the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Governor, Kongsak Yodmani, has revealed that the new deal includes a small increase in the licensing fee. But don't worry, he emphasized that Thailand's rate remains highly competitive compared to other host nations, ensuring that the country's passion for MotoGP remains affordable and accessible.
Previously, there were speculations that the Buriram MotoGP round might be in jeopardy due to Thailand's growing interest in Formula 1. However, it seems that both racing series can coexist harmoniously, with Buriram's Chang International Circuit continuing to shine as a premier MotoGP destination.
Buriram's journey with MotoGP began in 2018, after initially hosting WorldSBK events. Since then, the track has been a consistent fixture on the grand prix calendar, even earning the prestigious role of season-opener for 2025 and 2026. The 2026 event is expected to attract an even larger crowd, with a potential weekend attendance of over 200,000 spectators, including a massive Sunday turnout of nearly 100,000 fans.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of these events goes beyond the racing itself. The economic boost from tourism, the cultural exchange, and the global exposure Thailand gains from hosting such prestigious events are invaluable. It's not just about the race; it's about the entire Thai experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors and fans alike.
So, what's next for Thailand's MotoGP journey? Well, if the new deal is confirmed, Buriram's Chang International Circuit could be the stage for the first-ever 850cc Grand Prix, kicking off the 2027 season with a bang. Imagine the roar of those engines and the excitement of witnessing racing history in the making!
Here's a sneak peek at the provisional 2026 MotoGP calendar, with Thailand taking center stage:
Provisional 2026 MotoGP Calendar
| Date | Event | Circuit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 01-Mar | THAILAND | Chang International Circuit |
| 22-Mar | BRAZIL | Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna |
| 29-Mar | USA | Circuit of the Americas |
| 12-Apr | QATAR | Lusail International Circuit |
| 26-Apr | SPAIN | Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto |
| 10-May | FRANCE | Le Mans |
| 17-May | CATALONIA | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya |
| 31-May | ITALY | Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello |
| 07-Jun | HUNGARY | Balaton Park Circuit |
| 21-Jun | CZECH REPUBLIC | Automotodrom Brno |
| 28-Jun | NETHERLANDS | TT Circuit Assen |
| 12-Jul | GERMANY | Sachsenring |
| 09-Aug | GREAT BRITAIN | Silverstone Circuit |
| 30-Aug | ARAGON | MotorLand Aragon |
| 13-Sep | SAN MARINO | Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli |
| 20-Sep | AUSTRIA | Red Bull Ring-Spielberg |
| 04-Oct | JAPAN | Mobility Resort Motegi |
| 11-Oct | INDONESIA | Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit |
| 25-Oct | AUSTRALIA | Phillip Island |
| 01-Nov | MALAYSIA | Petronas Sepang International Circuit |
| 15-Nov | PORTUGAL | Autodromo Internacional do Algarve |
| 22-Nov | VALENCIA | Circuit Ricardo Tormo |
As we eagerly await the official confirmation of Thailand's new MotoGP contract, let's reflect on the impact of these events. Peter, a veteran paddock member with 20 years of experience, has witnessed the rise and fall of legends like Valentino Rossi. He's been at the heart of stories like Suzuki's exit and Marc Marquez's injury battles. With his wealth of knowledge, he understands the significance of these racing events and the impact they have on the sport and the communities they touch.
So, what do you think? Is Thailand's MotoGP future secure, or are there still concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions and spark a discussion about the future of MotoGP in Thailand.
