The Czech Grand Prix will make a triumphant return for the 2025 MotoGP calendar after signing a five-year deal to host the premier motorcycle racing series at the iconic Automotodrom Brno circuit.
The announcement comes after a four-year hiatus, with the circuit last hosting a Grand Prix in 2020. The Brno circuit, which has a rich history in motorcycle racing dating back to the 1950s, has been a beloved destination for both fans and riders alike.
The city has hosted over 50 Grands Prix since first welcoming MotoGP in 1965, with events initially held on a street circuit before the Automotodrom Brno made its debut on the calendar in 1987.
The circuit quickly established itself as a must-visit venue, often attracting over 200,000 fans and becoming one of the best-attended Grand Prix weekends of the year. Its unique blend of inclines, descents, sweeping curves, and complex corners has provided the stage for countless memorable moments in MotoGP history.
However, the circuit’s absence from the calendar in recent years was largely due to safety concerns raised by the riders regarding the lack of grip and excessive bumps on the aging surface. With the previous owners, the Abraham family, unable to secure the necessary funding for a complete resurfacing, the Czech Grand Prix was forced to take a hiatus.
The change in ownership last year, with Karel Hubáček’s Shakai company acquiring the circuit, has breathed new life into the iconic venue. Hubáček’s investment, along with the support of the Czech government, the South Moravian Region, and the City of Brno, has made the return of MotoGP to Brno possible.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed his delight at the news, stating: “Motorcycle racing has a tradition at the Brno Masaryk Circuit dating back to the 1950s.
“MotoGP is a prestigious global event that brings tens of thousands of visitors to the Czech Republic, particularly to South Moravia, many of whom come from abroad.
“I am very pleased that we have managed to continue this tradition and that the MotoGP race will return to Brno after five years.”
Jan Šťovíček, President of the Czech Republic Autoklub, echoed these sentiments, saying: “I always trusted MotoGP will return to Brno. All these years I was asked many times by riders, team officials, Dorna and FIM people what is happening there and when we will be back, because everybody loves Brno.
“This was made possible with the change of circuit owner, as the new owner decided to invest in development of this iconic facility.”
Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta expressed his excitement at the return of the Czech Grand Prix, stating: “We’re delighted to be able to announce our return to Brno. It’s a classic, with a fantastic layout that has staged some really memorable moments in its long history in MotoGP.
“We’re really excited to return and stage more, with the Tissot Sprint every weekend and even more for fans to enjoy on site to get closer to their heroes than ever.”
The exact date for Brno’s return in 2025 is yet to be announced, as it previously occupied a slot in early August that was later taken over by the Red Bull Ring in Austria. With the British Grand Prix moving from early August to late May in 2025, it remains to be seen where the Czech Grand Prix will fit into the calendar.
The 2025 MotoGP calendar is still in the final stages of being drafted, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.
