MotoGP to Race in Portugal Until 2029 as Algarve Contract Extended

Algarve, Portugal, September 24, 2026: MotoGP will continue racing in Portugal until at least 2029 after MotoGP and the Algarve International Circuit (AIA) agreed a new three-year contract extension. The agreement ensures that the Portuguese Grand Prix will remain on the MotoGP calendar for a further three seasons.

The spectacular Algarve International Circuit in Portimão joined the MotoGP calendar in 2020, marking the championship’s return to Portugal for the first time since 2012. MotoGP returned to the circuit again in 2021 before the Portuguese Grand Prix secured a longer-term place on the calendar from 2023 onwards.

The event has continued to grow in popularity, with the 2025 Portuguese Grand Prix attracting more than 166,000 fans across the weekend, setting a new MotoGP attendance record at the Algarve International Circuit.

MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix extended until 2029

The contract extension will keep the MotoGP paddock at the Portimão circuit through the 2029 season.

The Algarve International Circuit has quickly established itself as one of MotoGP’s distinctive venues, with its undulating layout and demanding sequence of corners providing a unique challenge for riders.

Jaime Costa, CEO of the Algarve International Circuit, said the extension represented a sign of confidence in the work carried out by the circuit and the organisations involved in staging the Portuguese Grand Prix.

He added that the three-year extension would help Portugal and the Algarve consolidate their position among major international sporting destinations.

2025 Portuguese GP attracted record crowd

The Portuguese Grand Prix has become an important event for the Algarve region, attracting international visitors and increasing the destination’s exposure to MotoGP’s global audience.

The 2025 Portuguese Grand Prix drew more than 166,000 spectators over the weekend, establishing a new attendance record for MotoGP at the Algarve International Circuit.

The event also contributes to the regional tourism economy through demand for accommodation, restaurants, transport and other services associated with hosting the Grand Prix.

According to the organisers, MotoGP’s presence also provides an opportunity to promote the Algarve and Portugal to audiences in international markets.

2026 Portuguese Grand Prix set for November

The 2026 Repsol MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 22 at the Algarve International Circuit.

The event will bring the MotoGP grid back to Portimão, with championship leader Jorge Martín (Aprilia Racing), seven-time World Champion Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) and 2025 Portuguese Grand Prix winner Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) among the riders set to compete at the circuit.

MotoGP sees Portimão as a key part of the calendar

Carlos Ezpeleta, Deputy CEO of MotoGP, said the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit had added a new dimension to the championship.

According to Ezpeleta, the circuit’s demanding layout has produced memorable racing and made the venue popular with both riders and fans. MotoGP also aims to build on the event’s momentum and expand it as a wider celebration of the championship in Portugal.

The Portuguese government and tourism authorities have also highlighted the event’s role in promoting the country internationally.

Pedro Machado, State Secretary for Tourism, said the agreement to keep MotoGP in Portugal until 2029 represents continued confidence in the country’s ability to use major international events to promote tourism and regional development.

Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal, described MotoGP as an important platform for promoting Portugal to international audiences.

Algarve targets year-round tourism

The Portuguese Grand Prix also takes place outside the traditional peak tourist season, making it particularly important for the Algarve’s ambition to strengthen its position as a year-round tourism destination.

André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism, said retaining MotoGP until 2029 would help attract visitors, generate business and increase the region’s international profile.

The contract extension therefore gives the Algarve International Circuit and Portuguese tourism authorities three additional seasons to build on the growing popularity of the MotoGP event.

With the Portuguese Grand Prix now confirmed through 2029, MotoGP will continue its association with one of Europe’s most visually distinctive circuits while Portugal retains its place on the championship’s global calendar.