The future of the Czech Republic Grand Prix has been secured after MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna signed a new five-year deal with the Brno Circuit earlier this week.
Brno has a long-running history with the premier class of motorcycle racing, hosting more grands prix than all but one circuit - Assen in the Netherlands - but faced an uncertain future due to concerns about the promotion of the race.
In August, Dorna announced that it had struck a new agreement with Brno that provisionally secured the future of the race, but the deal was only signed earlier this week.
Key to the new agreement has been the formation of The Czech Grand Prix Association that will take over the promotion of the race from 2016.
“The signing of this agreement is one of the most important acts as far as the World Championship of Motorcycle Road Racing is concerned,” Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said.
“It is very important for our company, which arranges those races, that the Brno Circuit is a part of the championship for the following years. This agreement deals with all the unresolved questions about the holding of races in the past.”
Mayor of Brno Petr Vokral was pleased to confirm that the Czech GP would remain in the city until 2020 following the completion of negotiations.
“A year ago, not only was it hazy outside but the future arrangement of grand prix was hazy as well. I am glad that we have found a way to arrange MotoGP in Brno,” Vokral said.
“The breakpoint was the last year’s agreement to establish the Association, which would have public support.
“I would also like to thank Mr. Ezpeleta for his extraordinary patience, which enabled the conclusion of the agreement. Now, it guarantees that Moto GP will be held in Brno for next five years.”