MotoGP will be back at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve from November 5th to 7th and, most likely, also in the spring of 2022. The revelation was made by Carmelo Ezpeleta Peidro, general director of Dorna, which promotes the championship, during the presentation, this Tuesday, 30th of August, of the Algarve Grand Prix, the penultimate round of this year's World Cup.
For the November Grand Prix, which the Algarve will name, expectations are high and for several reasons: either because Miguel Oliveira will race for the first time with public, in Portugal, in a MotoGP race, or because of the expected return of 40 million euros and for the media impact that the competition will have.
João Fernandes, president of the Algarve Tourism Region, looks mainly at this point and considers this «a very important proof for its ability to attract public to the region in the low season» and «a door for the promotion of the region».
This time, the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve will have its doors open to receive the public, something that did not happen in November of last year, when Miguel Oliveira took the highest place on the podium, or in April.
Paulo Pinheiro, CEO of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, highlights this fact, given that, in addition to the possibility «of seeing Miguel Oliveira here fighting for victory», this will also be «one of the last races for Valentino Rossi». For the responsible, «it will be unique for the Portuguese».
Regarding the maximum capacity, it will be around 67.500 spectators, which is equivalent to 75% of the available seats. «We do not want to exceed 75% of the public, as a precautionary measure», due to the pandemic, explained Paulo Pinheiro.
the search and online ticket sales, with prices between 65 and 190 euros, is going well, with the South stand 2 already sold out.
Pilots welcome the return of this “special ingredient”, as Miguel Oliveira called it. «The riders like to have the warmth of the fans» and we want to «provide the public with a great spectacle». In your particular case, the objective will even be a victory.
“I hope the race is more fun than it was in April. I expect a great result», he guaranteed.
For Isilda Gomes, whatever the result of Miguel Oliveira, in November this year, the athlete will deserve an applause.
“I suffered a lot the day I won, because when I looked at the stand, it was empty. I thought what a pity it was for Miguel Oliveira not to have that bench full of applause for him. So, whether you win or not, we owe you that applause», he said at Tuesday's press conference.
Who is also “clapping hands” with joy, for the mayor of Portimão, is João Fernandes, president of the Algarve Tourism Region.
“I spoke with hoteliers who were thinking of closing their hotels in October, but now they won't because of MotoGP. This means that the job will be extended until November, then Christmas and New Year's Eve. This race is a upgrade of the summer», he considered.
Isilda Gomes also expressed a wish that did not take long to come true.
After calling for «the Algarve or Portugal Grand Prix to be part of the MotoGP calendar, also outside the pandemic period», Carmelo Ezpeleta Peidro, by video call, revealed that this is very close to happening .
Dorna's general director said that “there is an agreement” and that “next year, the Grand Prix of Portugal will be held in Portimão, probably in the spring, in April. I am sure that the Grand Prix of the Algarve and the Grand Prix of Portugal, in the coming years, will be great successes", not least because the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve "is a fantastic circuit".
Despite the certainty given by Carmelo Ezpeleta Peidro, Paulo Pinheiro did not confirm 100% that, in 2022, there will be MotoGP in Portimão, since «some details are still lacking». Even so, he admits, "when we enter permanently, the goal is to have a contract for three to five years", something that has not yet been signed.
Right, right it's the Algarve Grand Prix from November 5th to 7th and that's where the responsible for the circuit says he has the «focus» on providing a «unique event».
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