Thailand voted best MotoGP of 2018

Thailand has been voted the best MotoGP event of the 2018 season, during its first appearance on the grand prix calendar.

Over 220,000 people visisted the Chang International Circuit in Buriram over the three days - making it the highest attendance of the season - which culminated in a thrilling last-lap victory battle between Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso, with the Yamahas of Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi in close pursuit.

The event has now been named as the best of the season by the MotoGP paddock, in a decision communicated to the Grand Prix Commission.

"The whole MotoGP paddock was keen to discover how the new Thai GP would be, we were impatient for it to arrive and there was plenty of expectation. In the end we can be assured it was the best GP of the season due to many different aspects – we expected good, but we didn’t know quite what they would be able to achieve," said Herve Poncharal, president of IRTA.

“Everything went smoothly, the commitment of the organisers was fantastic and they faced any problems through the weekend quickly, trying to find solutions as soon as possible. The crowd, the people…every single person involved was happy and always smiling.

"The fans’ support was incredible, the access to the circuit was fast and they demonstrated that they understood MotoGP – creating a commercial area close to the paddock, giving good exposure to our businesses, investors, sponsors, teams and riders.

"It’s also significant that a new event in this area – an important region for MotoGP – has achieved this result. It’s a perfect example for other countries to follow and this prize is fully deserved. From my point of view it will be hard for them to improve!”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, called Buriram "a perfect blueprint for future events and we’re excited to return to Buriram already.”

Newin Chidchob, President of the Chang International Circuit said: "On behalf of both the people of Buriram and Thailand, we are extremely honored to receive the MotoGP Grand Prix of the year 2018.

"Of course, during the preparation of the event we ran into countless obstacles, but in overcoming them we grew, and ultimately resulted in the success of the event.

"We must also thank the people of Buriram, for showing the capability of Thai people to the world… Everyone really came together to make this sports entertainment experience for our visitors from around the world unforgettable."