Indian MotoGP fans can now watch races live on the JioCinema and Sports18 channels after broadcaster Viacom18 secured the competition’s exclusive media rights.
Events included in the deal are the practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, the Sprint on Saturday, and the Grand Prix race on Sunday, with the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal marking the start to coverage.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports – the commercial rights’ holder for MotoGP – commented: “We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them. India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world.
“We are very excited that Viacom’s reach across India will bring MotoGP to all corners of the country and allow more fans to watch this incredible sport.”
The 2023 season is the biggest MotoGP season to date, with 21 races spanning across 18 countries, and the competition making its debut in India for the first time. The Indian round between September 22 and 24 will feature a total of 80 riders and 40 teams, including those from the Moto2 and Moto3 classes.
Pushkar Nath Srivastava, COO of FairStreet Sports – the promoter of the Indian GP and the Broadcasting Rights licensee – added: “We are confident that Viacom18 is the ideal partner to showcase the exhilarating sport of MotoGP in India.
“Their extensive reach on both television and OTT platforms, combined with their commitment to launching and promoting premier sports, perfectly aligns with our vision for the historic debut of MotoGP in the country.
“The increased accessibility would help galvanise our youth and create a new generation of talented riders to represent our nation on the global stage.”
With the addition of MotoGP, Viacom18 expands its portfolio of broadcasting rights to now include those for TATA IPL, TATA WPL, Diamond League, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, NBA, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and selected BWF events.
Hursh Shrivastava, Sports Head of Strategy and Partnerships at Viacom18, said: “MotoGP is one of the most dramatic racing events in the world and Indian sports fans are in for a treat as the series makes its historic debut in India this September.
“We look forward to giving sports fans in India the world’s best motorcycle racing show possible and widen our fanbase through our diversified offerings.”
