MotoGP 2027 Season Launch to Take Place in Rio de Janeiro on February 21

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 11, 2026: Rio de Janeiro has been confirmed as the host city for the official MotoGP 2027 Season Launch, with the championship’s flagship pre-season event set to take place on February 21, 2027. The announcement will bring MotoGP’s teams, riders and manufacturers together in Brazil for what is expected to be the championship’s biggest Season Launch yet.

The main event will be staged at Botafogo Beach, with the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain providing a spectacular backdrop as MotoGP officially unveils the 2027 season.

The announcement comes after MotoGP’s successful return to Brazil in 2026. The Grand Prix weekend in Goiânia attracted almost 150,000 spectators, with the event selling out and once again demonstrating the country’s strong passion for motorcycle racing.

Building on that momentum, Rio de Janeiro will now become the centre of the MotoGP world ahead of the 2027 season. The event is expected to combine the championship’s global motorsport appeal with Rio’s famous landmarks, culture, music and entertainment.

MotoGP 2027 Season Launch to bring entire grid together

The MotoGP Season Launch has become an important fixture on the championship calendar, giving fans their first opportunity to see every MotoGP team, rider and manufacturer together ahead of the opening Grand Prix.

The event is also a major global showcase for MotoGP, attracting international media, broadcasters, commercial partners and fans while generating extensive television, digital and social media coverage.

For Rio de Janeiro, hosting the event is expected to provide significant international exposure while supporting tourism and generating economic value for the city.

The importance of the Season Launch as a destination-marketing platform was highlighted by the 2026 MotoGP Season Launch in Kuala Lumpur, which generated more than US$7 million in economic value.

Following successful Season Launch events in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, MotoGP says the Rio event will take the concept to another level, combining motorcycle racing with a major entertainment programme.

Fans to get close to MotoGP riders and bikes

For fans attending the Rio de Janeiro Season Launch, the event will provide a rare opportunity to see the entire MotoGP field together outside a Grand Prix weekend.

Visitors will be able to see the latest factory MotoGP motorcycles up close, attend official team presentations and rider appearances, and hear from riders and teams through interviews and other activities.

The event will also feature manufacturer displays, interactive fan experiences, official merchandise and entertainment, creating a festival-style atmosphere along Rio’s waterfront.

Internationally acclaimed artists are expected to perform alongside leading Brazilian musicians and entertainers, with the programme designed to celebrate Rio’s renowned music and cultural scene.

The combination of live entertainment, fan activations, MotoGP machinery and Rio’s iconic waterfront setting is expected to make the 2027 Season Launch a major global sporting spectacle.

Carmelo Ezpeleta welcomes Rio as MotoGP Season Launch host

MotoGP Group CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said Brazil’s enthusiastic response to the championship’s return in 2026 demonstrated the country’s strong connection with MotoGP.

“The MotoGP Season Launch has become one of the defining moments of the year for our championship, bringing together every team, rider and manufacturer as we begin a new season.”

Ezpeleta added that Rio’s combination of iconic locations, passionate fans and world-class entertainment makes it an ideal venue for the event.

He also said MotoGP is looking forward to delivering its “biggest and most spectacular MotoGP Season Launch yet.”

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere said the city was honoured to host the event and highlighted Rio’s combination of natural beauty, sporting passion and globally recognised landmarks.

The mayor said the Season Launch would allow Rio to showcase attractions including Botafogo Beach and Christ the Redeemer to millions of MotoGP fans worldwide.

Rio prepares for MotoGP 2027

The MotoGP 2027 Season Launch will take place on February 21, 2027, ahead of the start of the new championship season. Further details regarding the event’s programme, fan activities and media opportunities are expected to be announced closer to the date.

With every MotoGP team, rider and manufacturer expected to attend, and a major entertainment programme planned around the event, Rio de Janeiro is set to provide a spectacular opening act for the 2027 MotoGP season.