Miguel Oliveira Warns Portimao Grand Prix Might Face Removal

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports
By Muhammad Hashir | Last updated Sep 4, 2024 12:17 PM ET

Portuguese MotoGP rider, Miguel Oliveira has raised a lot of concern regarding the possible exclusion of the Portimao Grand Prix in the 2025 MotoGP championship. As the provisional calendar for the next season could be announced soon, such words of ex-racers stress the necessity of governmental subsidizing for keeping the race series on the schedule.

However, he underlines that financial support from the Portuguese government remains the key to the event’s further receptivity after it joined in 2020. This situation arises amid broader concerns about European circuits and ongoing negotiations with new venues.

Need for Government Support

Miguel Oliveira, who will switch from Trackhouse to Pramac Yamaha next year, explained that such was the case with Portimao GP which has been part of the MotoGP since last year, but only on condition that it receives funding. He pointed out that for it to stay on the calendar of events of Moto GP races, local government support is highly required to keep the situation according to rules and regulations, he stated;

It is a shame, Oliveira said of rumours Portimao might not be on the 2025 calendar. The Grand Prix has been organised through a lot of effort by the Algarve administration. They had local municipalities support, to pay the fee to Dorna. Zero intervention of the government. So for the GP to go forward, we need the government to pay the fee. As simple as that.

Call for Government Action

Miguel Oliveira stressed that for the Grand Prix to continue, the Portuguese government must step in to cover the necessary fees. He stresses that Portugal’s government should focus on the game and do funding so that the requirements and necessities shall be completed, Miguel Oliveira preferred;

The MotoGP brings a lot of money to the region. A lot of prestige, image-wise to Portugal and we do need the government to understand this and make a decision to go forward.

European circuits have a little more pressure to produce the 2025 calendar because of the return of the Brno circuit. Hungary’s Balaton Park Circuit has also expressed interest and is in discussions with Dorna to host MotoGP and World Superbike events. Balaton Park is declared as the reserve circuit for 2024 while it is preparing a press conference next Thursday on the same issue.

Miguel Oliveira’s Struggle to Save Portimao MotoGP Slot

Miguel Oliviera takes a stand and appeals to governments to emphasize the importance of their support in keeping the Portimao Grand Prix in the MotoGP. In the face of such an event, there is a need for financial support as the event becomes unsure of itself. The argument is well illustrated by Miguel Oliveira’s plea to managers of the event where he revealed the economic and reputational values that the Grand Prix presents to the Algarve region.

With the return of other European circuits and new venues vying for spots, the decision on Portimao’s future will ultimately depend on whether the government recognizes and acts upon the value of this prestigious event.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: