MotoGP returns to Brazil after years away

BRASILIA - Reuters

Valentino Rossi, of Italy, heads through a turn in front of Alvaro Bautista, of Spain on July 21, 2013. REUTERS Photo

MotoGP will return to Brazil for the first time in a decade next year subject to an upgrade to the Nelson Piquet track in Brasilia, promoters Dorna announced on Aug. 20.

Grand Prix motorcycling last took place in the country in Rio de Janeiro in 2004 and its return is subject to approval by the MotoGP safety commission and the agreement of the governing International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).

“Brazil is one of the most important motorcycling markets in the world (and a return) has been a wish of the whole MotoGP family for many years,” Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta said after meeting with local promoters and government officials at the circuit.

‘Fantastic’

“I think it is really fantastic. It is an important project for us. Right now, Brazil is involved in many big projects, such as the football World Cup and the Olympic Games, so it is also very important for them.”

Should the race get the go-ahead, South America would go from having no rounds in the 2013 calendar to two in 2014 with Argentina also hosting a race at the new Termas de Rio Hondo circuit.