Brazil back in MotoGP

Brazil looks set to become part of the MotoGP calendar again, starting in three years’ time.

That was announced last week, when Dorna Sports, the commercial administrators of MotoGP, signed a preliminary agreement with the Rio Motorsports company, putting initial plans in place for the Brazilian Motorcycle Grand Prix to join the MotoGP calendar from 2021.

The host venue for the event would be a new track constructed in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most famous and vibrant cities in the Americas.

If homologated, the circuit would then potentially become part of the MotoGP calendar.

“People from Rio have always received MotoGP events with great enthusiasm. We are pleased with Dorna’s serious interest in going back to Brazil and their trust in promoting the race at the racetrack we hope will be built in the city,” said JR Pereira, COO, Rio Motorsports.

“Rio de Janeiro has a vocation to receive major motorsports events, with the same level of expertise shown with major sport and cultural events held in the city.”

“We would be thrilled to see MotoGP return to Brazil and this memorandum of understanding is fantastic news for the championship and South American fans,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.

“We have a truly global sport, paddock and grid and to add another country to our calendar – especially one such as Brazil – is always something to aspire to. It would be a pleasure for MotoGP to race in a country and continent known for its passion and incredible atmosphere.”

With local and international investors, Rio Motorsport has the primary purpose of building and exploring new racetracks in Brazil. Developing a new race track with international standards to replace Jacarepagua race track is a commitment that had been made by Brazilian authorities before the International Olympic Committee, as the former race track was dismantled to become an Olympic Park for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

The Jacarepagua track received MotoGP events between 1995 and 2004. – MotoGP