French Grand Prix organisers PHA and Claude Michy have agreed a new five-year deal with MotoGP owners Dorna Sports to keep the event on the calender through to the end of 2026.
The motorcycle grand prix world championship has been racing in France since 1949, with it becoming a permanent feature on the schedule from 1959.
Since 2000, the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans has been the home of the event following major safety renovations after a serious crash for 500cc race winner Sito Pons in 1995, the legacy of which ultimately ended his career two years later.
While the announcement does not confirm Le Mans will remain as the host circuit past its current agreement through to the end of 2021, it is expected to remain on the calendar.
“We are very pleased to extend our partnership with Dorna and excited to continue building MotoGP in France,” Michy stated.
“The French GP has grown and continues growing to new heights every year, and it's fantastic to celebrate our 25th season organising the event by extending this agreement until 2026.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta added: “The Grand Prix of France is a key event on the MotoGP calendar and it always draws incredible crowds.
“Our longstanding partnership with Claude Michy has been tremendous in ensuring the outstanding event that the French Grand Prix is today and I am very pleased to consolidate our presence in France for another five years.
“I look forward to many more exciting Grand Prix weekends to come.”
This weekend's French round is expected to draw a record attendance for the event, as expectation surrounding home hero Johann Zarco – who was second at Le Mans last year and sits second in the standings ahead of Sunday's race – to become France's first premier class race winner since Regis Laconi in 1999 remains high.
