'Different but interesting' - Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia, other riders react to Buddh International Circuit track layout ahead of MotoGP Bharat 2023

The Indian Grand Prix will take place in Greater Noida from September 22-24.

A day ahead of the MotoGP Bharat practice session, top MotoGP riders seemed pretty happy with the Buddh International Circuit. The new circuit on the block has got them curious and raring to go as the action begins on Friday. 

Some called it interesting, some took the bus checking on the track, some liked the mix of corners, while some saw it as a “fun layout”. Whatever each one has to think, it’s the race enthusiasts and fans who are going to enjoy every bit of it. 

“I think the layout of the track is interesting. It’s nice and different compared to a lot of other tracks. So, I think it would be great,” said defending champion and Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia.

Jorge Martin of Prima Primac Racing, who finished first at the San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago, took a bus, rode a bicycle on the track to get the feel of it, commented, “I really like the layout. It will be really interesting. I’m so excited to go on the track, and I think, as Pego (Bagnaia) said, it’s a bit different to what we are used to. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

Eight-time world champion Marc Marquez has already been here before. He expects the track to play out as it did on his Repsol Honda. “It’s one of the circuits that from the layout looks really nice. But if the grip is good, then it will be even nicer,” he said. 

It’s not just the track that has left the riders impressed, some are more than happy with how things are and Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider Marco Bezzecchi minced no words. “To be honest, I liked it a lot. The padlock is very well organised, the plain is very beautiful, and we will know about the track only after riding on it, but it looks fantastic.

"A mix of corners that I really like. Of course, the longest plate is impressive because I think it's very long, maybe more than Texas. I can’t wait to ride my bike. Also, there is a long right corner in banking that looks fantastic,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Brad Binder, the current record holder for highest speed in MotoGP is cautiously eyeing the longest straight on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. “I don’t really know where the speed trap is, but also it’s quite downhill, which is cool. But then there’s a big kick on the end, so where it goes uphill there might kill the chances a little bit. But anyway, I think it's a really long straight. More important than the top speed is stopping for the next corner, that’s where my focus lies,” he said.

The high-pulsating action of the MotoGP Bharat will be exclusively broadcast on Sports18 and live-streamed on JioCinema in India. Fans can secure their tickets for the exciting event on BookMyShow.