MOTOGP: Motegi secured contract extension with MotoGP until 2030

MotoGP will return to the Mobility Resort Motegi until at least the 2030 season after the Japanese track has recently secured a contract extension with MotoGP's Commercial Rights Holder Dorna Sports.

Japan first hosted a MotoGP race in 1963, with the main venue having been the Suzuka Circuit. It was permanently replaced by the Mobility Resort Motegi from 2004 onwards after the circuit faced criticism for its short runoff areas and dangerous trackside barriers, causing the death of Japanese rider Daijiro Kato and the injuries of Marco Melandri and Alex Barros at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix.

As a result, Suzuka was faced with making considerable safety alterations to avoid a possible strike by the riders – many of whom believed the 240 hp motorbikes had outgrown the tight circuit. The FIM stated that the modifications would not be completed before 2005 and that, therefore, the 2004 Japanese Grand Prix would be held at Motegi, but Suzuka has not appeared on the calendar since.

As a result of the new agreement, Motegi will play host to MotoGP races until at least 2030.

Reflecting on the announcement, Honda Mobilityland Corporation's President: Tsuyoshi Saito, President, Honda Mobilityland Corporation: "We are very pleased to announce that we will be hosting MotoGP Japan at Mobility Resort Motegi in and after 2026.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude towards Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports and everyone who has been a great support in extending this hosting contract.

“We will continue to aim for further development of motorcycle sports and sustainable event management. As we make the most of the rich natural environment of Motegi, we will keep working to present Grand Prix that can be enjoyed by many more fans.

"In cooperation with local residents of Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures and the town of Motegi and various government agencies, we hope to offer even more attractive Grand Prix events than before."

Speaking of the contract extension, MotoGP's CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta stated: "Japan is important for MotoGP. Motegi always puts on a fantastic show and is a point of reference on the calendar for its event organisation.

"Japanese MotoGP fans are incredibly knowledgeable and we’re very happy to confirm we’ll race with them until 2030," concluded Ezpeleta.