In statements to Lusa news agency, the director of the Algarve International Circuit (AIA), Jaime Costa, indicated that tickets “are selling at a good pace,” estimating that the number of spectators will reach “170,000, similar to what happened in 2024.”
“We are in line with last year, but the last few days are always strong in ticket sales. As they say, you only count at the end, but our perspective is that the figures will be very similar to last year’s,” he noted.
The Portuguese MotoGP Grand Prix, the main category of motorcycle racing, will be held between Friday and Sunday at the Algarve International Circuit, and marks the farewell of the Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira from the category, who will move to the Superbike World Championship next year.
For Jaime Costa, “the fact that this is Miguel Oliveira’s last MotoGP race on Portuguese soil may attract more spectators to mark the date.”
Entertainment
The event, which has a dual sporting and economic dimension, will this year have “a strong focus on entertainment,” providing an “expanded area” dedicated to motorcycle fans, with restaurant spaces, shows, and stands representing brands linked to the sport.
“The goal is to provide a complete experience for visitors outside of race periods and reinforce Portugal’s image as a tourist destination and organizer of major international events,” the organizer pointed out.
To facilitate access to the racetrack and avoid long road traffic queues, the organization will provide parking and free transportation for ticket holders, with dozens of buses circulating between the circuit and Portimão, Lagos, and Figueira, from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
“We appeal to the public to use these free transport alternatives to the racetrack entrance, because they guarantee parking and access to the circuit, making it a much more comfortable experience,” he stressed.
For Jaime Costa, the visibility generated by MotoGP in Portimão “continues to be an asset for the circuit, the region and the country,” consolidating the Algarve as a world reference in motorsport.
The official recalled that the event “is an excellent economic engine,” pointing to data revealed by Unicre, a Portuguese institution specializing in the management, issuance and provision of payment solutions, payment cards and consumer credit.
“During the race days in 2024, Unicre indicated that payments with bank cards increased by 11 percent among nationals and 16 percent among foreigners in the Algarve. The estimate for the total economic impact of the event is around 70 to 80 million euros, covering hotels, restaurants, telecommunications, transport and international promotion,” he highlighted.
