Dorna Sports, S.L., 3FourTexasMGP, LLC and Full Throttle Productions, L.P. have signed a 10-year contract to bring MotoGP to the new Circuit of the Americas beginning in 2013. The agreement includes the three categories of the Championship, the MotoGP class, Moto2 and Moto3. The 10-year deal is coupled with the already scheduled 10-year deal to host the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, for which the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas is currently under construction.
"We are delighted to be adding the Circuit of the Americas to the MotoGP calendar. It is an honor to expand our Championship to Texas, which has a rich history of producing World Championship riders," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, S.L. "We have had a wonderful and special relationship with Kevin Schwantz for 20 years and often talked about a mutual dream of increasing the popularity of MotoGP in the U.S. and raising our already successful worldwide profile. Now, with what Tavo Hellmund is doing in Austin, we have realized that situation and are looking forward to this new venture together. The 10-year agreement is a sign of our confidence and commitment to the future success of MotoGP racing in Austin."
Kevin Schwantz, manager of 3FourTexasMGP, L.L.C. and the 1993 FIM MotoGP World Champion, stated, "For me, this is a dream come true that the FIM MotoGP World Championship will be in my home state of Texas. I am such a believer in the sport and know how popular motorcycling is in Texas. I am sure that this will be a resounding, long-term success."
Tavo Hellmund, managing partner of Full Throttle Productions, L.P., said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for the State of Texas and this region, and I believe it is the first time in American Motorsports history that both the cars and motorbikes world championships are held at the same facility annually. We are very proud of becoming the United States international facility for motorsports."
Construction of Circuit of the Americas is progressing well and is scheduled for completion sometime in mid 2012, in time for the first Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
For more information, visit www.motogp.com and www.CircuitoftheAmericas.com.
