The Argentine Grand Prix will remain on the MotoGP calendar until 2021 after Dorna Sports signed a contract extension with the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. The venue in Santiago del Estero has hosted a Grand Prix since 2014, proving a popular event on the calendar, with next year’s race scheduled for March 31.
Termas de Rio Hondo has produced many entertaining races since its arrival on the MotoGP calendar, including Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez’s dramatic battle in 2015 and Cal Crutchlow’s stunning victory this season. Attendances have also grown through Termas de Rio Hondo’s five years and Gerardo Zamora, Governor of Santiago del Estero, is excited to see this continue.
“We have announced the sixth consecutive Argentina Grand Prix at Termas de Rio Hondo and we’ve signed a contract extension for 2020 and 2021. Dorna Sports has invested in us once again. We’re proud because a lot of passionate people have worked to achieve this. Work on the public infrastructure alongside private investment. And we’re happy because, at each race weekend, the amount of fans has increased, having a positive and specific impact on sport in the Termas de Rio Hondo economy and, more indirectly, in the region. Those who haven’t yet been able to make it to a Grand Prix in Argentina now have the chance to do so over the next three years to see the spectacular scope of a MotoGP event.”
Carles Jorba, Dorna Director of Operations, has highlighted the importance for MotoGP to retain a presence in South America and believes this news will prove popular throughout the sport.
“For the first time there has been continuity, because we’ve all worked on this a lot since 2014 when it began. This extension allows us to continue the work that has been done so far and to do that enthusiastically given the incredible importance of the Latin American market for MotoGP. The riders, the teams and partners feel that Termas de Rio Hondo is now well established, they like the track and the improvements made have been continuous and always positive.”