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MotoGP Limits Races in Spain and Portugal Starting in 2027
MotoGP has officially announced a significant change to its racing calendar, limiting the Iberian Peninsula to just two races from 2027 onwards. This decision follows the signing of a new contract with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, securing the Catalan GP’s presence until 2031.
The agreement is set to commence after the current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season. Unlike the rotation system used by Formula 1 for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Barcelona will remain an annual event on the MotoGP calendar well into the next decade.
Reduction of Grands Prix
MotoGP’s restructuring means that, moving forward, only Barcelona and one other circuit in the region will host races when the championship transitions to the new 850cc engine format in 2027. This marks a notable decrease from the four races held in Spain this season—namely in Barcelona, Jerez, Valencia, and Aragon—as well as another event in Portugal, located at Portimão.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of Dorna Sports, emphasized that circuits today must provide more than just competitive racing to warrant their inclusion in the racing calendar. He pointed out that the presence of local governmental support is critical in this evolving landscape.
“It’s crucial to cultivate an environment that supports the grand prix for it to yield returns that justify the investment,” Ezpeleta noted. He acknowledged the complexities of managing the sport’s future, stating, “While Barcelona won’t rotate out of the schedule, ongoing factors such as interest and international circumstances will influence decisions in the future.” He revealed a competitive landscape with about 28 circuits vying for a limited number of spots, constrained to 22 Grands Prix annually.
Market and Marketing Considerations
Furthermore, Ezpeleta rejected the notion that Liberty Media’s impending majority ownership of Dorna prompted the reduction of events in Spain and Portugal. Instead, he emphasized a broader vision for MotoGP’s global presence. “From only three races outside Europe when Dorna acquired the championship, we have expanded to numerous international venues,” he said. Brazil’s addition to the schedule in 2024 highlights this commitment to diversifying the racing series’ reach.
He reasserted that a ceiling of 22 races is the current maximum per season, although the exact circuits involved in the lineup remain undisclosed to avoid compromising future negotiations. “It’s less about who might drop off and more about which new venues we can integrate into our series,” he added, expressing a willingness to retain more races in the Iberian Peninsula, pending interest levels.
Conclusion
The announcement signifies a shift in how motorsport will be organized and emphasizes the need for venues to adapt to the dual demands of providing entertainment and delivering economic incentives. As MotoGP navigates this new landscape, the focus will remain on creating a sustainable framework for its long-term success, both on and off the track.
As the dust settles on this significant change, fans and stakeholders alike will watch closely to understand how these strategic adjustments impact the future of MotoGP within Spain and Portugal, and the global racing community at large.
Source
www.motorsport.com