The Algarve International Autodrome in Portimão will continue to host the MotoGP Grand Prix 2025 of Portugal which is wonderful news for fans of motorsports and tourists. Jorge Viegas showed gratitude at the renewal of the MotoGP contract.
The agreement ensures that Portugal will continue to host one of the biggest motorcycle races in the world regardless of difficult negotiations.
Renewal Of MotoGP Contract In Portugal
Keeping the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix 2025 was not easy. Viegas explained that financial issues at the Algarve International Autodrome made securing the deal a challenge. Dorna, who organized the World Speed Championship, had bills that the Autodrome had to pay off. This put the future of the race at risk.
However, the combined efforts of the Autodrome and the Portuguese government helped make the contract possible. For the first time, the government played an active role in these negotiations and making sure that the Portuguese Grand Prix stayed on the MotoGP calendar.
Despite the difficulties, Viegas is pleased with the outcome. He said:
The Autódromo did a lot of work and, for the first time, the government was an interested party and very active in making this contract viable. The Portuguese Grand Prix was at risk, but I can only be happy that MotoGP will continue in Portugal
Portugal is set to remain a key destination in the world of motorsport due to this new agreement.
MotoGP 2025 Calendar For Portugal
Viegas highlighted that the world calendar for MotoGP will be announced tomorrow. The renewal of the MotoGP contract is just one part of a packed motorsport calendar for Portugal.
He said:
MotoGP world calendar will have 22 rounds, with the addition of Hungary and the Czech Republic and the retention of Argentina
Along with the MotoGP World Championship, Portugal will also host the Superbike Championship in Portimão and Estoril, and the Junior GP Championship in Estoril. These events will be hosted next year and will further boost Portugal’s status as a top destination for motorsport fans.
Viegas also hinted that the Portuguese MotoGP Grand Prix might be one of the final stages of the championship, possibly in November.
He admitted:
There was a concern about having it in the low tourist season
Although there were concerns about holding the event during the low tourist season, it was decided that having a later date was better than no date at all.
Impact Of MotoGP On Algarve’s Economy
MotoGP return to Portugal is beneficial for both motorsport and the local economy. Millions of euros are spent in the Algarve region by thousands of fans during the event.
MotoGP has developed into an important part of the Algarve’s tourist industry. Hotel chains, bars, and other businesses will do well during the race weekend due to it.
Pedro Machado, the Secretary of State for Tourism, highlighted the economic benefits of MotoGP. The government estimates a return of around 80 million euro from the event.
Machado said
If we’re talking about a return of around €80 million, I think it’s easy to see how much good this project brings to our country.
The last MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix had more than 180,000 visitors which brought in both direct as well as indirect revenue. This helps not only the Algarve economy but also raises Portugal’s reputation globally. It will draw more tourists and improve the country’s reputation as a travel destination.
Government’s Role In MotoGP And Tourism
Pedro Machado explained how the government worked hard to secure MotoGP’s future in Portugal. In past contracts, the Portuguese state had failed to meet its financial commitments. This had put the country at risk of losing the event.
He said:
Firstly, we had to restore the good name of the state because the Portuguese state had not fulfilled its obligations in previous contracts. It was necessary to win, or win back, the trust, especially of Dorna and Liberty, who are the ‘owners’ of the race licences
The government managed to regain the trust of key stakeholders including Dorna and Liberty, the owners of the race licenses by conducting a responsible and transparent negotiation process
As part of the deal, the Portuguese government will invest 2 million euro per year in MotoGP for the next two years, through Turismo de Portugal. This investment is critical to ensuring the country keeps hosting this prestigious event.
Machado added:
We had to recover this good name by carrying out a solid, responsible, credible and reliable negotiation process, which is what happened. And the proof is that we have 2025 and 2026
The government hopes to extend the contract beyond 2026 and also attract other major events, such as golf and equestrian competitions.
Pedro Machado said that the government is working to raise Portugal’s visibility and attract tourists with high spending power.
He also emphasized:
Today we are endeavouring to qualify our tourism offer. We want this to go hand in hand with our tourist experience, which means attracting more and more citizens with high purchasing power
The government sees MotoGP as a crucial part of its plan to promote Portugal internationally. It not only brings in direct economic benefits but also shines a spotlight on the country’s unique attractions. Portugal can attract more visitors and strengthen its position as a top tourist destination by continuing to host such high profile events.
