Brazil will make a welcome return to the MotoGP calendar for the first time since 2004, joining a record breaking 22-race 2022 calendar.
MotoGP organisers Dorna have announced that the race will take place at the new Rio Motorpark circuit, a 4.5km track which is due for completion in 2021 ahead of the inaugural event in ’22, one of three new venues expected for that year’s schedule.
Dorna have agreed with the race promoter – Rio Motorsports – a five-year contract that will see the race run until at least 2026.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna CEO, said of the deal: “I’m very proud to announce that MotoGP will be returning to race in Rio de Janeiro, one of the world’s truly iconic cities and in such an amazing country.
“Brazil is an important market for motorcycles, motorcycle racing and motorsport, with a history to be proud of – and a future that I’m excited to see MotoGP play such a vital part as we return in 2022.”
JR Pereira, CEO of Rio Motorsports, added: “Dorna was an extremely loyal partner in every conversation we had.
“Now that we have completed the local environmental impact studies and the commission that will look into the matter is in place, following the regulatory policies of INEA (Rio de Janeiro State Environment Agency), it has been possible to formalize an agreement that has been built for over two years.
“We are very grateful to Carmelo and his team that we can realize the dream of bringing MotoGP back to Rio.”
MotoGP last visited Brazil in 2004 – known then as the Rio De Janeiro motorcycle grand prix – at the Jacarepagua circuit, won by Honda rider Makota Tamada.
Valentino Rossi also managed to rack up six victories across all circuits at the venue, including four in the premier class when he competed for Honda.
Jacarepagua hosted the race for nine years between 1995 and '04, while Interlagos and Goiania also hosted a handful races in the country in the late 80s and early 90s.
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