Portimao to Remain on MotoGP Calendar Until 2026
MotoGP will continue racing at Portimao after an agreement was struck until the end of 2026
A staple of the MotoGP calendar since becoming an alternate round during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao is one of the best venues in the championship, and maybe one of the best circuits in the world.
It hasn’t always produced thrilling MotoGP races, although the 2024 race was the first time Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez came to blows. The pair collided at turn five and crashed out of the Grand Prix.
“We’re very happy to announce that we will be racing in Portugal for at least another two years,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. “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."
The word rollercoaster could not summarise Portimao any better and it's a circuit that riders love. The fast flowing nature is paired with uphill and downhill braking, including a very hard braking zone at turn one, which is often an overtaking hotspot.
Portimao has traditionally been at the beginning of the MotoGP calendar and is expected to host one of the first few rounds in 2025.
Jaime Costa, CEO of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve added: "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, emphasising 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."
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
