MotoGP series promoter Dorna is reportedly considering a return to China after a 17-year absence, according to Motorsport.com.
The Shanghai International Circuit hosted the first four editions of the Chinese Grand Prix, which ran from 2005 to 2008. Two wins for Valentino Rossi (2005 and 2008) were interspersed with victories for Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.
Now, 17 years after the final race in China, Dorna reportedly sent an executive delegation led by CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his son Carlos to Shanghai to explore its future options.
Rumours suggest the comeback could happen as soon as 2027, after the visit took place between the Australian and Malaysian grands prix earlier this year.
As part of this visit, Dorna also toured the CFMoto manufacturing facilities, with the Chinese brand potentially being decisive to the impending return.
The company also made a strong bid to become the sole Moto3 bike supplier from 2028, though that contract was ultimately awarded to Yamaha.
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.
Dorna’s objective is to ensure that the new project avoids the issues that plagued its first attempt, which resulted in China’s original contract ending early.
Originally scheduled to host races until 2011, the contract was cut due to poor attendance and limited local interest – largely due to a lack of proper promotion.
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.
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