“The Portuguese government will make the decision about whether they want to continue and we are giving them time” - Carmelo Ezpeleta.
During his visit to this week's
MotoGP test at the Sepang International Circuit, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta stated that the 2012 Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril is still to be confirmed.
“We are waiting,” he said. “They [Estoril] are having meetings with the government. The Portuguese Grand Prix, like many others, is supported by the government. So the government will make the decision about whether they want to continue and we are giving them time.”
A final decision regarding the event is expected to be made later this month.
Estoril is presently listed as round three of the season 'subject to contract', on the weekend of May 4-6. Should Portugal drop off the calendar there will be no replacement, meaning 17 rather than 18 rounds.
Looking ahead to 2013, Ezpeleta indicated that India's Buddh International Circuit is likely to join Argentina and Austin in hosting its first
MotoGP event.
