Rio de Janeiro will host the official MotoGP 2027 Season Launch on February 21, 2027, bringing the championship’s teams, riders and manufacturers to Botafogo Beach for the opening showcase of a new technical era.
MotoGP has selected the Brazilian city as the venue for its third collective season launch, following Bangkok in 2025 and Kuala Lumpur in 2026. The event will combine team presentations, rider appearances, motorcycle displays and live entertainment, with Rio’s iconic landscape providing the backdrop for the championship’s global pre-season event.
The announcement builds on MotoGP’s strong return to Brazil in 2026. The sold-out Grand Prix in Goiânia attracted almost 150,000 spectators, underlining the country’s importance as one of the championship’s major fan and commercial markets
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP Group, said, “The MotoGP Season Launch has become one of the defining moments of the year for our championship, bringing together every team, rider and manufacturer as we begin a new season.
“The enthusiasm shown by Brazilian fans during our sold-out return to Goiânia in 2026 confirmed the extraordinary connection between MotoGP and Brazil. Following the success of our recent Season Launch events in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro provides the perfect stage to continue raising the bar, combining iconic locations, passionate fans and world-class entertainment. We look forward to delivering our biggest and most spectacular MotoGP Season Launch yet.”
Eduardo Cavaliere, Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, added, “Rio de Janeiro is honoured to host the MotoGP 2027 Season Launch and welcome one of the most important annual events in international motorsport to our city. Following the outstanding success of MotoGP’s return to Brazil in Goiânia, we are proud to play our part in celebrating the beginning of a new season.
“Few cities can match Rio’s combination of natural beauty, sporting passion and globally recognised landmarks. From Botafogo Beach to Christ the Redeemer, this event will showcase the very best of Rio de Janeiro to millions of fans around the world while creating unforgettable experiences for riders, teams, partners and visitors. We look forward to welcoming the MotoGP family and fans from across the globe to our city.”
The 2027 launch will carry particular significance as MotoGP enters one of the biggest regulatory changes in its modern history. Engine capacity will fall from 1,000cc to 850cc, with new technical regulations shaping the next generation of motorcycles. All five current manufacturers have already committed to the championship through 2031, alongside all 11 MotoGP teams.
Rio’s selection also marks a return to a city with a historic MotoGP connection. The former Jacarepaguá circuit hosted premier-class races from 1995 to 2004.
The 2027 season itself will begin at Thailand’s Buriram International Circuit from March 5-7, making Rio’s February event the global launchpad for MotoGP’s new era.
