Officially, Portugal Will Host MotoGP 2025 And 2026

JAKARTA MotoGP has officially extended cooperation with Portugal to hold races at the Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, in the next two seasons in 2025 and 2026.

The race there also sparked speculation that it would be removed from the MotoGP calendar following the death of the Circuit CEO, Paulo Pinheiro, earlier this year.

Portugal's Minister of Tourism, Pedro Machado, said that the continuation of this collaboration will have a significant impact on the country because of the large MotoGP fan base.

"We are talking about an event that has a unique ability to promote and project Portugal as a tourist destination and organizer of major sporting events," Portuguese Tourism Minister Pedro Machado was quoted as saying on the MotoGP website.

The Portuguese Grand Prix had previously been on hiatus for eight years before it was held again in 2020.

Last month, Portuguese racer Miguel Oliveira, who will race for the Pramac Yamaha team next season, had asked the Portuguese government to continue holding this prestigious event.

Pedro revealed that supporting the continuity of this important event will automatically strengthen Portugal's reputation and appeal, which is certainly very important from a tourism point of view.

"This also has a direct impact on the regional economy, which is equally important, because it is an event that attracts thousands of people for several days, including spectators and staff from competing teams," he said.

The Portuguese Grand Prix is one of 14 series that have been held this season. The next series in the 2024 MotoGP will be held in Mandalika, Indonesia, at the weekend.

After that, there are still five series left in this season's calendar, namely Japan, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Valencia.

The Spaniard, Jorge Martin, is the leader of the drivers' standings this season with a collection of 371 points. He is 24 points ahead of defending champion Francesco Bagnaia.