MotoGP is entering a new era in 2027, and Buriram will kick things off: The Thai Grand Prix will open the season from March 5 to 7
MotoGP will turn a new page in 2027, and Thailand will once again host the season opener. The Grand Prix in Buriram will kick off the season from March 5 to 7, 2027, marking not only the start of the 79th World Championship but also the dawn of a new technical era.
For the first time, the new MotoGP regulations for the 2027–2031 cycle will be put to the test under race conditions: smaller engines, less aerodynamics, and no devices.
Thailand is thus firmly establishing itself as one of the most important stops on the MotoGP calendar. The Chang International Circuit in Buriram already hosted the season opener in 2025 and 2026. Continuing this tradition underscores 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 CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta sees the return of the season opener to Thailand as a sign of successful collaboration between the World Championship and the host country.
“Hosting the MotoGP season opener for the third consecutive year is a testament to the outstanding partnership we’ve built in Thailand and to the incredible passion of the fans,” explains the longtime 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 under 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-Pull
Since its MotoGP debut in 2018, the Chang International Circuit in Buriram has become an integral part of the World Championship. The combination of modern infrastructure, passionate fans, and spectacular races has made Thailand one of the most popular destinations on the calendar.
This enthusiasm was most recently on full display at the 2026 season opener: According to MotoGP figures, 228,228 spectators attended the race weekend in Buriram.
MotoGP therefore considers Thailand one of its most important growth markets. The Southeast Asian region has been regarded as strategically significant for years, not only because of its large fan base but also because of its potential for further growth.
The long-term outlook is also secure: Thailand will remain part of the MotoGP calendar through 2031. This gives Buriram the opportunity to be part of the new technical era for several years and to become a permanent venue for the next generation of MotoGP.
Pre-season tests in Malaysia and Thailand
Before the new generation of MotoGP bikes makes its competitive debut, an intensive testing program awaits the teams and riders. Work on the prototypes has already been in full swing behind the scenes for months.
In addition to in-season tire tests featuring the 850cc bikes, the official testing phase begins immediately after the season finale in Valencia. The traditional post-season test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo will serve as the first key benchmark for the new generation of MotoGP bikes.
For the manufacturers, an intensive development phase will then begin over the winter, before official preparations for the 2027 season continue in February with the joint MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. There, riders and teams will come together for the first time after the winter break to fine-tune the new motorcycles.
The circus will then move on to Thailand. Buriram will not only host the season opener but will also host the second and final official preseason test in the run-up to the season. This test is scheduled to take place two weeks before the first race, though the exact dates have not yet been announced.
Between the two test events, there will also be a special highlight off the track: The Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro is set to host a major launch event to kick off the new season.
