In a significant development for motorsport enthusiasts in India, MotoGP has announced former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan as the brand ambassador for its Indian edition. The announcement was made on Thursday, coinciding with Dhawans appearance in the latest commercial for Eurosport, the official broadcaster of MotoGP. An avid biker himself, Dhawan boasts a collection that includes the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. The MotoGP India race is slated to take place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in March next year.Promotional commitmentsAs part of his new role, Dhawan will feature in commercials aimed at promoting MotoGP in India. Yamaha, a globally renowned racing bike manufacturer, has been named the title sponsor for the Indian edition of MotoGP. Dhawan expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, It feels like a full-circle moment for me, especially when I think back to my days riding my favourite bike through the streets of my hometown, Delhi. What excites me most is the potential we have to introduce MotoGP to new audiences across India. Together, we aim to inspire and engage fans with the exhilarating world of MotoGP. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eurosport India (@eurosportin)History of MotoGP in IndiaThe inaugural MotoGP race in India was held at the BIC in Greater Noida last year. Initially, the second edition was scheduled for this year but was postponed to March 2025, making it a part of the next season. Earlier reports suggested a potential cancellation of the 2024 race due to financial disputes involving Dorna, the co-organizer of the event, along with the Uttar Pradesh government and FairStreet Sports. However, Indian organizers clarified that financial obligations would be settled by June, attributing the delay to the ongoing general elections in the country.This collaboration with Shikhar Dhawan marks a strategic move to boost MotoGPs presence in India, aiming to attract new audiences and enhance the sports popularity in the region.
