Brno Circuit is set to remain on the MotoGP calendar until 2020 after agreeing a new five-year contract to host the Czech Grand Prix.
Despite being one of the most historic venues on the championship’s schedule and hosting more grands prix than any other venue bar Assen in the Netherlands, there had been some doubts about Brno’s MotoGP future beyond 2015.
However, ahead of today’s race, MotoGP rights holder Dorna announced that a new deal had been struck that ensures Brno will remain on the series’ calendar for the next five years.
“An agreement has been reached to ensure Brno remains on the calendar in 2016 and beyond,” a statement from the series read.
“MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports SL reached a deal with the Czech authorities in order to secure the Czech GP’s presence on the FIM MotoGP World Championship calendar for at least the next five years.
“A joint effort of the Moravian government and the city of Brno will lead to the creation of a new body acting as the promoter of the event and working alongside Dorna Sports towards ensuring MotoGP return to the iconic Czech venue in 2016 and beyond.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta was pleased to have secured the future of the Czech Grand Prix at Brno given its history and popularity.
“The Czech GP is one of the highlights of the championship as it has been on the calendar for 50 years and as we see this weekend again, it’s a very popular event,” Ezpeleta said.
“We are very happy to reach an agreement with the Czech authorities that will ensure the future of the Grand Prix in the Czech Republic for at least the next five years.”
“We’re proud to announce that Brno will host MotoGP again in 2016 and the four following years, thanks to the creation of a new public body involving the Meridional Moravia Government and the City of Brno,” added Czech minister for education, youth and sports Katerina Valachova.