P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Thailand set to extend MotoGP contract, despite Somkiat Chantra moving to WorldSBK.
According to a report in The Nation, Thailand has successfully concluded a new five-year deal to host the MotoGP grand prix world championship from 2027 to 2031.
The new agreement, including a slight increase in the licensing fee, will soon be submitted to the Thai Cabinet for approval, as confirmed by Sports Authority of Thailand Governor Kongsak Yodmani.
Buriram’s Chang International Circuit hosted the first Thai MotoGP in 2018 and has remained on the grand prix calendar ever since.
The track, which pulled in a weekend crowd of 224,634 this year, will host the final 2026 MotoGP pre-season test in February, alongside Somkiat Chantra’s Honda WorldSBK debut at Phillip Island.
Marc Marquez will begin his title defense in the opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season scheduled to kick off on March 1 at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand.
