The MotoGP world championship will once again include an annual Czech Grand Prix at the Brno circuit starting in the 2025 season. MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports announced on Wednesday that they have signed a five-year contract with the Automotodrom Brno for the period from 2025 to 2029.
Excitement Builds for the Return to Brno
„We are very excited to announce our return to Brno,“ said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. He described the 5.4-kilometer natural circuit as a „classic with a fantastic layout that has provided some truly memorable MotoGP moments in its long history.“ Brno has seen historic victories such as Valentino Rossi’s first World Championship win in the 125cc class in August 1996. Other unforgettable moments include Max Biaggi’s nearly backfiring wheelie after his 500cc win in 1998, the battle between Rossi and Sete Gibernau for the MotoGP win in 2003, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo’s duel for the MotoGP win in 2012, Cal Crutchlow’s first MotoGP victory in 2016, and Brad Binder’s and KTM’s first MotoGP wins in 2020.
Memorable Races at Brno
The last MotoGP race in Brno was held in 2020, where Binder emerged victorious. After a four-year hiatus, the series will return to Brno in 2025. Ezpeleta expressed anticipation for the return, noting that the Czech Grand Prix had been „the most attended Grand Prix of the year“ on several occasions. Karel Hubacek, the circuit director in Brno since selling the facility to Karel Abraham (father of former MotoGP rider Karel Abraham), added, „I am pleased with the successful conclusion of the negotiations, which is the result of a constructive approach by all parties involved.“
Support for the Tradition of Motorcycle Racing in Brno
Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, also commented on the newly signed five-year contract. He reflected on the tradition of motorcycle racing at the Masaryk Ring in Brno, which dates back to the 1950s when the legendary street circuit was used until 1986. The current Automotodrom Brno was first visited by the premier class of the Motorcycle World Championship in 1987, with Wayne Gardner winning on a 500cc Honda. Brno has been a staple on the racing calendar until 2020, aside from 1992. The transition from the 500cc to the MotoGP class in 2002 was also witnessed at the circuit.
„MotoGP is a prestigious racing series that attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, including many from abroad, to the Czech Republic and specifically to South Moravia,“ Fiala remarked. He expressed his delight in continuing this tradition and bringing the MotoGP race back to Brno after five years. While the exact date for the 2025 Czech Grand Prix has not been officially announced, speculation suggests a revival of the traditional August slot. The Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone has been moved from early August to late May for 2025. The MotoGP calendar for 2025 is still pending release.