MotoGP's Brazil return: South America back in focus

MotoGP's Brazil return signals a new commercial era and expanding sponsorship opportunities across the region.

The return of MotoGP to Brazil after 22 years marked the country’s reintegration into the championship calendar and highlighted the economic potential of the South American market. The round took place between March 20 and 22, 2026, at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia. The MotoGP Estrella Galicia 0,0 Brazilian Grand Prix represented the second round of the season, drawing a significant crowd and mobilising different sectors of the local economy. The return to the country is part of a long-term agreement, with races scheduled through 2030.

The Brazilian organisers confirmed that a contract is in place until 2030 and indicated the possibility of extending the event beyond that period:

“The State of Goiás, through Governor Ronaldo Caiado, signed a contract on December 12, 2024, with MotoGP for the Brazilian Grand Prix over five years, between 2026 and 2030. The first edition, held from March 20 to 22 this year, generated R$1.14 billion for the state economy. With the presence of a Brazilian rider in the premier class of world motorcycle racing, Diogo Moreira, and the financial success, the tendency is for the race to continue being held at the Ayrton Senna circuit in Goiânia for many years.”

Economic Impact

According to data released by local authorities, based on a study by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), the event generated approximately R$1.14 billion in Goiás’ economy, surpassing initial projections. The impact includes around R$706 million in direct effects and R$434.5 million in indirect effects, as well as the creation of more than 10,800 jobs over the period.

The event also generated an estimated R$173 million in tax revenue and attracted 148,384 spectators over three days, with a significant presence of tourists and broadcasts reaching more than 200 countries.

Goiânia as a Market Indicator

With strong audience attendance, global reach, and significant economic impact, the Brazilian round’s performance is increasingly being seen internally as a market case study for MotoGP in South America.

The Grand Prix reinforced South America’s potential as a strategic region for the category’s expansion. The model combines three core pillars of MotoGP’s business: large on-site attendance, high tourism potential, and a relevant consumer market.

This equation places Brazil alongside other markets considered priorities by the organisation.

MotoGP’s New Commercial Phase

The championship promoter, Dorna Sports, is undergoing a new phase following the acquisition of a controlling stake by Liberty Media, which in July 2025 completed the purchase of around 85% of the company in a deal valued at approximately €4.2 billion.

This move marks the beginning of a new commercial era for the championship, focused on expanding audience reach, increasing media rights value, and entering new markets.

With annual revenues estimated between €500 million and €600 million, MotoGP operates at a smaller scale compared to other global competitions, reinforcing the need for international growth and diversified revenue streams.

In this context, South America is once again being viewed as a region with strong potential, driven by the size of the Brazilian market, the region’s motorsport tradition, and the tourism and commercial opportunities associated with major events.

MotoGP in Argentina: A New Chapter

In recent years, the category’s main presence in the region was at Termas de Río Hondo in Argentina. The circuit played an important role in MotoGP, being the only Grand Prix venue in South America between 2014 and 2025. However, organisers confirmed that the circuit, located in the province of Santiago del Estero, will no longer host the Argentine Grand Prix, paving the way for the event’s relocation to Buenos Aires from 2027.

This scenario opens space for a reconfiguration of MotoGP’s presence in the region, with a stronger focus on markets capable of delivering consistent financial returns and operational stability.

Buenos Aires Prepares for MotoGP 2027

Upgrades to the Autódromo Óscar Alfredo Gálvez in Buenos Aires have already begun, aiming to prepare the track to host MotoGP from 2027. The project is also part of a broader strategy by the local government, which is evaluating the possibility of bringing Formula 1 back to the city from 2028.

The modernisation plan is divided into two phases. The first includes the complete reconstruction of the pit and paddock area, featuring 32 garages, a new control tower, and a dedicated structure for post-race technical inspections. The second phase, still pending tender, involves the reconfiguration of the circuit’s seven layouts, based on a project developed by Tilke Engineering, led by German architect Hermann Tilke, responsible for several Formula 1 circuits.

The main layout, which is expected to host MotoGP from 2027, will be 4.3 kilometres long. The works also include widening the track to 12 metres throughout its length, upgrading safety areas, and fully resurfacing the circuit. The project also plans to expand capacity, with new grandstands for up to 150,000 spectators, meeting technical requirements from the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).

With a history in the championship, the Buenos Aires circuit has hosted motorcycle Grand Prix racing on ten occasions between 1961 and 1999. The new agreement provides for events over four years, with races scheduled in March.

The return of Brazil to the calendar, combined with the results recorded in Goiânia, repositions the country on the MotoGP map and, together with the restructuring of the Argentine round, consolidates South America as a key axis in the championship’s expansion strategy.