MotoGP has announced a new two-year agreement to keep Portimao on the calendar for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve has been a key stakeholder on the Grand Prix calendar since its first race in 2020.
The Algarve track’s situation in recent times appeared precarious, with the country’s sole rider Miguel Oliveira fearing that his home race would be off the calendar in future years.
MotoGP and Dorna believe Portimao’s appeal makes it a fan-favourite destination, providing vital economic impact and an influx of hundreds of thousands of fans visiting Portugal.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports stated: “We’re very happy to announce that we will be racing in Portugal for at least another two years.
“Since we first went to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, it has become a favourite for many fans and riders, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it a beautiful place to race, but the event itself has improved every year, and we are very proud to be able to make such a positive economic, sporting and social impact on the area.
“We look forward to seeing our Portuguese fans again in 2025 and 2026.”
Jaime Costa, CEO of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve: “It’s a great source of pride to be able to continue having a MotoGP round at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and to see the recognition of our effort and work, which has been going on since 2020.
“The Portuguese Grand Prix and our track, with its unique features on the calendar, are already a benchmark for riders and teams. The fact that we have signed a two-year contract allows us to look at the event in a completely different way, with a continuity of improvement in the spectator experience, in order to reach record numbers of visitors to our circuit and consequently to the country and region, emphasizing its economic added value for the territory. We are already working on the 2025 GP, so that will once again, be a unique event in Portugal.”
This is a big success for MotoGP
The characteristics of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve appeal to fans and riders alike, and the fast-flowing circuit provides excellent excitement all-round.
Portugal’s presence on the calendar means its country’s people can support their star rider.
At one point, it looked like it would be dropped from the calendar following MotoGP’s announcement of hosting a race at Balaton Park in Hungary.
Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism stated: “The MotoGP Grand Prix is one of the most visible sporting events in the world, reaching more than 200 territories and with a fanbase of more than 500 million.
“We are therefore talking about an event that has a unique ability to promote and project Portugal as a tourist destination and as an organizer of major sporting events.
“By supporting the organization of these initiatives, we are strengthening our country’s reputation and attractiveness and this is very important from the point of view of tourism.
“It also has an immediate economic impact on the regional economy, which is equally significant, since this is an event that attracts thousands of people over several days, including spectators and staff from the competing teams.”
