THM X Tissot At The MotoGP 2023: Live From The Buddh International Circuit
5 min read
The roar of the engines. The adrenaline on an all-time high! The MotoGP- India’s First Grand Prix took place earlier last weekend and being able to witness it live has been an experience of a lifetime! Tissot has been the official timekeeper of MotoGP for years and created a special edition of their T-Race Chronograph to celebrate the first Indian MotoGP.
Little did I know then that I would end up with a coveted paddock pass, giving me access to the track, teams, and riders. Fans descended on the Buddh International Circuit for a thrilling weekend of racing and events. From Valentino Rossi’s farewell season to young stars like Francesco Bagnaia, MotoGP 2023 in India was a watershed moment I’ll cherish forever. Here’s what went down!
Arriving at the MotoGP 2023 in India
The MotoGP riders had already arrived and were greeted with a traditional Indian welcome. As a motorsports fan, I couldn’t believe I was actually attending the first-ever MotoGP Grand Prix of India!
The circuit was buzzing with fans eagerly awaiting the practice laps and qualifying rounds. My tickets gave me access to the Tissot lounge, where I got an up-close look at the official Tissot T-Race Chronograph MotoGP watch and the Tissot Sprint. As the “Official Timekeeper” of MotoGP, Tissot has a long-standing partnership with the championship. The bold, sporty design of the T-Race watch is inspired by the world of MotoGP.
The start of the race was thrilling. Feeling the roar of the engines and the speed of the bikes whizzing by just meters away was a rush like no other. Every lap brought a new development, from lead changes to crashes to narrow escapes. The crowd roared with excitement during each pass and cringed in unison whenever a rider went down.
Between the Moto2 and MotoGP races, Tissot hosted an invitational sprint race on the main straight. Top influencers and celebrities raced Tissot e-bikes in front of the grandstands, with the winner receiving a special Tissot T-Race MotoGP Chronograph.
As I watched the podium celebrations, wearing the Tissot T-Race, I was already planning my trip to next year’s Indian MotoGP.
Highlights and Key Moments From the Action-Packed Event
Marco Bezzecchi Dominated
Marco Bezzecchi, the young Italian rider for VR46 Racing Team, put on a masterclass performance. He stormed into the lead early on and never looked back. Bezzecchi rode flawlessly, navigating each turn with precision. His dominance in only his second season of MotoGP demonstrated why he is a star of the future.
Jorge Martin Thrilled the Crowd
While Bezzecchi cruised to victory, the battle for second place was intense. Jorge Martin on his Pramac Ducati dueled fiercely with Fabio Quartararo and Enea Bastianini. Martin's aggressive riding style and daring passes in the corners had the fans on their feet. He managed to fend off his rivals to claim a well-deserved second place on the podium.
Tissot Adds to the Excitement
Tissot, the official timekeeper of MotoGP, unveiled a special edition of their T-Race Chronograph MotoGP watch to commemorate the Indian Grand Prix. The bold red and black design featuring the MotoGP logo embodied the passion and speed of the sport. Tissot’s precision timekeeping and dedication to innovation have made them a perfect partner for MotoGP.
Tissot's Long-Standing Partnership With MotoGP
Tissot has sponsored MotoGP for over 20 years and recently extended their partnership through 2022, so I was excited to see what they had in store for fans at the inaugural Indian MotoGP. I was not disappointed. Tissot pulled out all the stops with interactive brand experiences, photo ops, and their limited edition T-Race Chronograph MotoGP watch.
The T-Race Chronograph MotoGP watch is a real beauty. Its sleek black design is a nod to the dark color of racing leathers and motorbikes. Red accents on the watch—like the logo, second hand, and stitching on the leather strap—are a stylish reminder of the red and white colors of Tissot’s MotoGP team sponsorship.
As the official timekeeper, Tissot also provides timing services for MotoGP qualifying and races. Their large display counted down the minutes until the next race, building excitement and anticipation in the crowd. When the lights went out signaling the start of the race, you could feel the roar of the bikes as they flew by on the track. The Tissot-sponsored leaderboard kept fans up to date on the top positions and times throughout the race.
Between races, I stopped by Tissot’s fan zone to experience the thrill of riding an actual Ducati bike. The Tissot fanzone had bike simulators which gave the audience a chance to witness the thrills of the tracks!
After an action-packed day at the track, I came away with a newfound appreciation for Tissot’s integral role in bringing the thrill of MotoGP to fans. They don’t just keep the time, they help make the time of your life at every race. The watch is a work of engineering art, just like the Ducati bikes.
Attending the 2023 MotoGP Indian Grand Prix and witnessing Marco Bezzecchi’s victory in person while cheering on Jorge Martin’s thrilling performance is a memory I will cherish forever. The roar of the engines, the smell of burning rubber, the thrill of watching the world's best riders push the limits of physics. My heart was pounding the entire race. MotoGP in India was a total assault on the senses in the best way possible. If it returns next year, you know where to find me. What a ride!
