MotoGP has agreed a new deal with the Algarve International Circuit that will keep the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimão until 2029. The agreement extends the event’s stay in Portugal for a further three seasons, providing a confirmed longer-term place for the venue on the championship calendar.
The 2026 Repsol MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal is scheduled to take place from 20 to 22 November. MotoGP said championship leader Jorge Martín of Aprilia Racing, seven-time champion Marc Márquez of Ducati Lenovo Team and 2025 Portuguese Grand Prix winner Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing are among the riders due to compete at the circuit.
Portimão’s established place on the MotoGP calendar
The Algarve International Circuit first appeared on the modern MotoGP calendar in 2020, when the championship returned to Portugal for the first time since 2012. MotoGP returned to Portimão in 2021, before the event gained a longer-term calendar place from 2023 onwards.
Its latest renewal follows growing attendances at the venue. More than 166,000 spectators attended the 2025 Portuguese Grand Prix across the race weekend, according to MotoGP, setting an attendance record for MotoGP events at the Algarve International Circuit.
MotoGP and Portuguese tourism figures presented the record attendance alongside the event’s stated tourism and visibility benefits. It preserves an established event which the championship says has increased its crowds and international visibility since becoming a regular fixture.
MotoGP said Portimão had added a new dimension to the championship when it joined the calendar. Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP’s deputy chief executive, said the circuit’s demanding layout had produced memorable racing and had quickly become popular with riders and fans. He said MotoGP intended to build on that momentum and develop the Portuguese event further over the period covered by the agreement.
Jaime Costa, chief executive of the Algarve International Circuit, described the renewal as confidence in the work of the circuit and the organisations involved in staging the grand prix. He said the three-year extension would help Portugal and the Algarve strengthen their position among major international sporting events.
Tourism bodies point to wider regional value
The venue agreement has also been presented by Portuguese tourism representatives as an opportunity for the Algarve beyond the track. MotoGP said hosting the championship raises the profile of the Algarve and Portugal in international markets, while creating demand connected with accommodation, catering, transport and other event services.
Pedro Machado, Portugal’s State Secretary for Tourism, said retaining MotoGP until 2029 was a sign of confidence in the country and in its tourism sector’s ability to create value and promote regions. His comments reflected the government’s view that major events can support visibility and opportunities for the sector.
Carlos Abade, president of Turismo de Portugal, said MotoGP had helped promote Portugal as a destination among its global audience and that the new commitment reinforced the country’s interest in hosting events of international significance.
André Gomes, president of Algarve Tourism, said the event brought international visibility, visitors and business to the region. He also highlighted its timing outside the peak season, arguing that major events of this kind could support the Algarve’s aim of becoming a year-round destination.
For MotoGP, the deal retains a venue that returned Portugal to the calendar in 2020. For Portimão and regional tourism bodies, the agreement follows the record crowd reported in 2025 and the tourism benefits they attribute to the event.