– MotoGP will open a new chapter in 2027, and the first starting signal will once again be in Thailand. The Grand Prix in Buriram will open the season from March 5 to 7, 2027, marking not only the start of the 79th World Championship but also ushering in a new technical era.
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For the first time, the new MotoGP regulations for the 2027 to 2031 cycle will be used under race conditions: smaller engines, less aero, no devices.
Thailand is thus definitively becoming one of the most important stops on the MotoGP calendar. Already in 2025 and 2026, the Chang International Circuit in Buriram was the venue for the season opener. The continuation of this tradition underlines the importance of the Southeast Asian market for the motorcycle world championship and the growing enthusiasm of fans in the region.
MotoGP praises Thailand as a key market
MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta sees the repeated season start in Thailand as a sign of successful cooperation between the world championship and the host country.
“Hosting the MotoGP season opener for the third time in a row is proof of the outstanding partnership we have built in Thailand and the incredible passion of the fans,” explains the long-time CEO.
“Buriram has consistently proven to be one of the best events on our calendar and is therefore the perfect place to usher in the new technical era of MotoGP.”
The MotoGP CEO also emphasizes the special significance of the first race under the new rules: “The first race with the 2027 regulations will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our sport, and we are very excited to start this journey in Thailand,” Ezpeleta affirms.
Buriram circuit remains a crowd-puller
The Chang International Circuit in Buriram has developed into a fixed part of the world championship since its MotoGP debut in 2018. The combination of modern infrastructure, passionate spectators, and spectacular races has made Thailand one of the most popular destinations on the calendar.
The enthusiasm was impressively demonstrated most recently at the 2026 season opener: According to MotoGP figures, 228,228 spectators followed the weekend on site in Buriram.
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For this reason, MotoGP describes Thailand as one of its most important growth markets. The Southeast Asia region has been considered strategically significant for years, not only because of the large fan base but also because of the potential for further growth.
The long-term perspective is also secured: Thailand will remain part of the MotoGP calendar through 2031. This gives Buriram the opportunity to accompany the new technical era over several years and become a permanent venue for the next generation of MotoGP.
Pre-season tests in Malaysia and Thailand
Before the new MotoGP generation will be seen in competition for the first time, teams and riders have an intensive testing program planned. Work on the prototypes has already been running at full speed behind the scenes for months.
In addition to tire tests scheduled during the season, in which the 850cc bikes will be used, the official test phase begins immediately after the season finale in Valencia. The traditional post-season test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo will be the first important benchmark for the new generation of MotoGP bikes.
For the manufacturers, the intensive development phase over the winter then begins, before the official 2027 season preparation continues in February with the joint MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. There, riders and teams will meet again as a group for the first time after the winter break and work on fine-tuning the new motorcycles.
Afterwards, the caravan moves on to Thailand. Buriram will not only host the season opener but also the second and final official pre-season test in advance. This is scheduled to take place two weeks before the first race, but the exact dates are not yet known.
Between the two test events, a special highlight off the racetrack will also take place: The Brazilian metropolis Rio de Janeiro is to offer a big launch event for the presentation of the new season.
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