Argentina Gears Up for MotoGP Comeback

After a lengthy absence, Argentina is set to reclaim its spot on the MotoGP calendar with a revamped circuit in Buenos Aires. This return, scheduled for the upcoming season, raises questions about the need for a preliminary test, especially following the recent failures at the Brazilian circuit in Goiânia. Riders like Pecco Bagnaia are advocating for thorough preparation before tackling this new layout.

A Long-Awaited Return

Absent this year, Argentina is poised to rejoin the MotoGP calendar next season, not at Termas de Río Hondo but on a newly updated circuit in Buenos Aires, which hasn’t hosted motorcycle Grands Prix since 1999. However, after the difficulties encountered in Brazil last month, where the renovated Goiânia circuit showed several significant failures, the idea of organising a test before integrating a new circuit into the calendar has resurfaced.

Riders’ Voices

This proposal is notably supported by Pecco Bagnaia, who highlighted the limitations of running only road bikes. “I think for the future, we absolutely need to do a test beforehand. Test riders need to get out there,” the Italian rider argued. “Because when we arrive at a new circuit, like in India or Goiânia, it’s tough.”

“In Indonesia, we had a test and realised we could face issues riding there. If we go to a circuit with a road bike, we can’t see the limits, and I think that needs to change in the future.”

Support from Authorities

The message has been heard, and Buenos Aires’ Sports Secretary, Fabián Turnes, expressed readiness for a MotoGP test to take place at the Autódromo Óscar y Juan Gálvez, which is currently preparing for the championship’s return next season. According to him, this could be considered towards the end of the year, once the circuit is ready.

“It hasn’t been discussed yet, but it’s something we have in mind, to see if we can organise a MotoGP test in November,” Fabián Turnes told Motorsport.com.

When reminded of the test conducted before the arrival of Termas de Río Hondo in MotoGP in 2014, with three MotoGP riders and two Moto2 riders at the time, he added: “That’s a bit of the idea we have. By November, the track will be practically in its final phase. So, if adjustments are necessary, we would still have time to make them.”

Ambitious Works

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP SEG (the new name for Dorna Sports), and his son Carlos Ezpeleta, the championship’s sporting director, visited the Autódromo Óscar y Juan Gálvez a few days ago to assess the works launched in January. These began with the demolition of the circuit’s stands, which dated back to the return of Formula 1 in 1995.

Subsequently, the structural preparation of the site has focused attention, with earthworks and the laying of new foundations. Preparatory works have been carried out in the future paddock area in anticipation of new structures, while excavation and preparation of new buildings within the circuit have progressed.

A Redesigned Track for Speed

Simultaneously, the circuit is undergoing significant transformation to redefine the layout. The new circuit will measure 4.3 km in length, with a width varying between 12 and 15 metres and will feature 14 corners. Speeds exceeding 300 km/h are expected on straights of 800 to 1000 metres.

The circuit must also be adapted to current MotoGP standards. The asphalt, curbs, barriers, and any obsolete structures have been demolished. Earthworks have been carried out in strategic areas, including the back straight and the section from corners 10 to 13, where the layout is set to be redesigned.

Works are progressing on the Buenos Aires circuit.

A Major Technical Challenge

Soil stabilisation is one of the most critical technical aspects to ensure the circuit’s solidity and durability, a vital condition for obtaining Grade A certification from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

Works are progressing at a steady pace and according to the established timeline. They still need to see the construction of 32 new stands and a partially covered new paddock. The goal is for these to be completed within 12 months of their start in January, according to the Sports Secretariat of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires.

A Long-Term Ambition

The aim is to host MotoGP next season based on an agreement that should cover at least four years. Concurrently, there are also plans to potentially bring Formula 1 back to the venue at a later stage, unless this project is ultimately accelerated by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.