The Portuguese Grand Prix will continue to thrill motorcycle racing fans for at least two more years, as organizers have confirmed its presence on the MotoGP calendar for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The event will once again take place at the scenic Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, a venue that has captured the hearts of riders and spectators alike since its return to the MotoGP schedule in 2020 after an eight-year hiatus.
Earlier this year, the passing of circuit CEO Paulo Pinheiro sparked concerns about the future of the Portuguese Grand Prix. However, these worries were swiftly allayed by the strong support for the event from both Portuguese officials and the motorcycle racing community. Miguel Oliveira, a Portuguese rider who will be competing for the Pramac Yamaha MotoGP team next season, passionately advocated for the event’s continuation, highlighting its significant contributions to Portugal’s tourism and sporting reputation.
Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism Pedro Machado echoed Oliveira’s sentiments, emphasizing the event’s economic and social benefits. “We are talking about an event that has a unique ability to promote and project Portugal as a tourist destination and as an organiser of major sporting events,” Machado stated. He further added, “By supporting the organisation of these initiatives, we are strengthening our country’s reputation and attractiveness and this is very important from the point of view of tourism. It also has an immediate economic impact on the regional economy, which is equally significant, since this is an event that attracts thousands of people over several days, including spectators and staff from the competing teams.”
The 2023 Portuguese Grand Prix, held in March, saw Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin claim victory. Now, with the future of the event secured, fans can look forward to two more years of thrilling action at the Algarve International Circuit. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement: “We’re very happy to announce that we will be racing in Portugal for at least another two years. Since we first went to the Autodromo 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.”
The 2025 MotoGP season is slated to commence in March with the Thailand Grand Prix, setting the stage for another exciting year of motorcycle racing across the globe. The confirmation of the Portuguese Grand Prix’s continued presence in the upcoming seasons adds another layer of anticipation to the upcoming season, ensuring that Portugal’s picturesque Algarve International Circuit remains a key destination on the MotoGP map.
