India eyes MotoGP.

"This is the right time to enter the market and India is set to become an important destination for premium bikes," said Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio, as the Italian manufacturer introduced its range of exotic motorcycles to India.

Yamaha is already selling its 1670cc MT01 cruiser and 1000cc R1 in India, while fellow MotoGP manufacturers Suzuki and Honda are also planning to sell large motorcycles in the near future.

In response to this new 'premium bike' market, Del Torchio has already discussed the possibility of an Indian MotoGP with Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.

"I have asked MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to bring the grand prix event to India," Del Torchio told India's Economic Times. "If this event can happen in Qatar, China, Malaysia and Australia, I think India also has a great chance with vast improvements in infrastructure and the F1 circuit plans firming up. If all goes well, we shall have a full-fledged motorcycle racing season in India soon."

The Times of India states that the possibility of a MotoGP race has also been raised with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and is under discussion with the government.

"We are exploring the options to get the MotoGP in India and the upcoming Formula 1 track at Greater Noida could be a possible site," said Vicky Chandhok of Federation of Motorsports Clubs in India.

"It would make sense to use that track not only for the designated F1 event but also for MotoGP and other motorcycling action like Superbike events."

India expects to host its first Formula One Grand Prix by 2010.

Currently, there are two private racing tracks in India - in Coimbatore and Chennai - but both lack the necessary safety standards and infrastructure for MotoGP.

The poorly attended Chinese MotoGP at Shanghai is rumoured to be under threat from a new Hungarian round, from next season, feeding on the country's massive support for 125cc world champion Gabor Talmacsi.

With riders and teams likely to oppose any increase on the present 18 round calendar, an existing event would probably need to make way for a new Indian round.