'Preliminary agreement' for 2021 Brazilian MotoGP

Dorna has signed a 'preliminary agreement' for the MotoGP World Championship to return to Brazil in 2021.

The venue for the event would be a new track constructed in Rio de Janeiro, with local company 'Rio Motorsport' reaching the deal with Dorna.

“We would be thrilled to see MotoGP return to Brazil and this memorandum of understanding is fantastic news for the Championship and South American fans,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.

“We have a truly global sport, paddock and grid and to add another country to our calendar – especially one such as Brazil – is always something to aspire to.

"It would be a pleasure for MotoGP to race in a country and continent known for its passion and incredible atmosphere.”

“People from Rio have always received MotoGP events with great enthusiasm," commented JR Pereira, COO, Rio Motorsports. 

"We are pleased with Dorna's serious interest in going back to Brazil and their trust in promoting the race at the racetrack we hope will be built in the city.

"Rio de Janeiro has a vocation to receive major motorsports events, with the same level of expertise shown with major sport and cultural events held in the city."

MotoGP last raced in Brazil at the former Jacarepaguá track in Rio between 1995 and 2004.

Finland is due to be the next addition to the current (19-round) MotoGP calendar, in 2019, although doubts have been raised as to whether the track will be completed in time.