Rio de Janeiro has successfully secured the right to host the official MotoGP 2027 Season Launch on 21 February 2027, bringing one of the championship's premier global events to Brazil and placing the city at the centre of the sporting world ahead of the new MotoGP season.
The main Season Launch event is planned to take place on Botafogo Beach, creating a spectacular stage beneath Sugarloaf Mountain for the official presentation of the 2027 MotoGP season.
The announcement follows MotoGP's hugely successful return to Brazil in 2026, when a sold-out Grand Prix weekend in Goiânia welcomed almost 150,000 spectators, reaffirming the country's enduring passion for motorcycle racing and its position as one of the championship's most vibrant markets. Building on that momentum, Rio de Janeiro will now take centre stage as host city for MotoGP's flagship pre-season event, showcasing its internationally renowned landmarks alongside its proven ability to deliver world-class sporting and entertainment spectacles.
The MotoGP Season Launch has rapidly become one of the championship's defining annual occasions, bringing together every MotoGP team, rider and manufacturer before the opening race of the season. More than a launch event, it is a global showcase for the sport, attracting international media, broadcasters, commercial partners and fans while generating worldwide TV, digital and social media coverage.
For host cities, the MotoGP Season Launch delivers far-reaching international exposure while generating significant tourism, media value and economic impact. The 2026 MotoGP Season Launch in Kuala Lumpur generated more than USD$7 million in economic value, underlining the event's growing importance as both a global sporting showcase and a catalyst for destination marketing and city activation. By securing the 2027 Season Launch, Rio de Janeiro will showcase its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture and world-renowned hospitality to a global audience.
Following the success of recent Season Launch events in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro will deliver MotoGP's biggest celebration yet, blending the excitement of the world's premier motorcycle racing championship with a world-class entertainment programme.
For fans, the MotoGP Season Launch will offer an experience unlike any other in the championship. Outside of a Grand Prix weekend, there is no other opportunity to see every MotoGP team, rider and factory motorcycle together in one place. Fans can get up close to the latest MotoGP machines before they race, enjoy official team presentations, rider appearances and interviews, explore interactive manufacturer displays, experience live entertainment, official merchandise and fan activities, all within a spectacular festival atmosphere on Rio's iconic waterfront.
Internationally acclaimed artists will perform alongside leading Brazilian musicians and entertainers, celebrating the city's globally renowned music scene while creating an unforgettable festival atmosphere. Together with spectacular live production, fan activations and the breathtaking backdrop of Botafogo Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain, the event will offer a uniquely Rio experience as MotoGP launches its 2027 season.
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, said: "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."
Further details regarding event programming, fan activities and media opportunities will be announced in due course.