Another South American venue may make an appearance on the 2014 MotoGP Championship schedule. Contingent on FIM Homologation, the Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet Brasilia in Brazil can possibly host MotoGP in the second half of 2014.
If everything goes as planned, the Brasilia circuit will join the South American Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit in Argentina, which has been confirmed to host the World Championship from 2014 through 2016.
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta met Monday with officials at the Brasilia circuit, including Agnelo dos Santos Queiroz Filho, Governor of the Federal District who was presented with signed helmets of MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez and his brother Alex (competing in the Moto3 category).
Before anything can be solidified, Brazilian MotoGP promoter IMX and Brazilian authorities will present a proposal to the Safety Commission at the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
If all goes well, things will be in progress to begin a “full rebuilding project on the Brasilia circuit.” If the rebuilding – expected to be complete by the middle of 2014 – is up to par with Safety Commission standards, FIM Homologation will visit the circuit, and give the final confirmation.
Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO of Dorna Sport) says: “Brazil is one of the most important motorcycling markets in the world. It is in South America, so the time schedule is very good for the television coverage, but it has also been a wish of the whole MotoGP family for many years and is a very important matter for us. Until now it has been impossible because, as everybody knows, the most important thing for us is safety.
“I think it is really fantastic. It is an important project for us. Right now Brazil is involved in many big projects, such as the football World Cup and the Olympic Games, so it is also very important for them – not just the Federal Government, but also promoter IMX which is one of the most important promoter companies in the world and of course the most important in South America; they are committed to doing a fantastic job.”
MotoGP last visited Brazil in 2004 for the Rio Grand Prix, which was won by Makoto Tamada.