MotoGP targeting China GP return after 17 years away

MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports has started its plan to bring the Chinese Grand Prix back to the championship, Motorsport.com sources have confirmed.

China previously hosted MotoGP contests between 2005 and 2008 at the Shanghai International Circuit, with race wins going to Valentino Rossi (2005 and 2008), Dani Pedrosa (2006) and Casey Stoner (2007). 

But 17 years after the last race, Motorsport.com understands that a Dorna executive delegation recently travelled to Shanghai to accelerate MotoGP’s return to the East Asian country.

This comeback could happen by 2027 at the earliest and the group was led by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his son Carlos, the championship’s sporting director.

The visit took place between the Australian and Malaysian grands prix in October and also included a stop at one of CFMoto’s manufacturing facilities - the China brand currently partnered with KTM. 

Dorna’s objective is to ensure that the new project avoids the issues that plagued the first attempt, which resulted in China’s original contract ending early as it was initially due to host races until 2011. 

Start: Casey Stoner and Colin Edwards battle for the lead

Photo by: JiR

That is because poor attendance and limited local interest - largely due to a lack of proper promotion - proved to be major hurdles. Adding to the complications, Yu Zhifei, the circuit’s former director, was later sentenced to four years in prison for embezzling roughly €100,000. 

This time, Dorna and local authorities are understood to be pushing for a mixed organisational model involving several key stakeholders in both the event’s management and promotion.

In that respect, Motorsport.com understands a crucial role could be played by CFMoto, which has been steadily increasing its presence in the paddock since its debut in 2022.

The company also made a strong bid to become the sole Moto3 bike supplier from 2028, though that contract was ultimately awarded to Yamaha. 

But in addition to CFMoto, Juss Sports - the promoter responsible for organising the Formula 1 grand prix since 2004 - is also expected to be involved in the MotoGP project.