PARIS: The 2025 and 2026 MotoGP seasons will begin in Thailand, marking the first time in over 25 years the championship starts in Southeast Asia, organisers annou­nced on Wednesday.

The Buriram circuit is due to host the season-opening race on March 2 next year, moving up from its current slot in late October.

It first staged a MotoGP event in 2018 but did not host races in 2020 or 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The season has traditionally kicked off in Qatar in recent times, alth­ough last year Portu­gal held the opening race of the campaign.

Organisers said the dates are still to be confirmed and the full 2025 calendar will be published later this year.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2024