Iconic Circuit Retains Spot On MotoGP Calendar Amid Fears Of Being Cancelled

Saajan Jogia | Sep 25, 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Maverick Vinales (12) of Spain and Aprilia Racing rides during the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, commonly known as Portimao, will remain on the MotoGP calendar for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Despite being at risk of removal, the iconic circuit secured its place after a new two-year agreement was signed.

The event generates significant economic benefits for Portugal and the Algarve, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans outside the peak tourist season.

Famous for hosting the Portuguese Grand Prix, Portimao hosted its first MotoGP race in a pandemic-stricken year in 2020. Speculation suggested that the circuit was on the verge of losing its spot on the MotoGP calendar, prompting the sport's lone Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira to express concern. However, the circuit's spot on the calendar remains secure until 2026. Speaking about the contract extension, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, said in a statement:

"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."

Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism, added:

“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.”

Lastly, Jaime Costa, CEO of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, said:

“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.”