No Longer In Qatar, The Opening Of MotoGP 2023 Moved To Europe

MotoGP 2023 will open in Portugal. (Doc. MotoGP)

JAKARTA - MotoGP 2023 will feel very different. The opening of the most prestigious motorcycle racing will be shifted to Europe, to be precise in Portugal.

The Portuguese Grand Prix will replace Qatar, which in recent years has always opened a series of premier class motorcycle races. The race at the Algarve International Circuit, Portimao, will take place from March 24-26, 2023.

"The full calendar while MotoGP 2023 will be released by the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) in due course, but for the series opener it has been confirmed," said an official statement from MotoGP, as quoted by Antara via Reuters.

The opening of the 2023 season in Portugal will mark the first time MotoGP has restarted in Europe since 2006.

"This will also be the opening series to be held in Europe for the third time in more than three decades," the statement continued.

Algarve Circuit will also present something new. Starting from the grid display, to the trophies to be awarded.

"There will also be pre-season tests throughout the week before the event, the dates will be confirmed soon," said MotoGP.

The Middle Eastern country will not be the opening MotoGP series next season because the Losail Circuit Qatar has to undergo a major renovation and will only hold races when the renovation is complete.

Qatar has been the opening series of the MotoGP season since 2007. Only once held a race in 2020 because it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.