After almost 30 years, MotoGP will bring its bikes back to Buenos Aires. The announcement for the 2027 race will conclude Santiago del Estero’s near three decade run hosting the two-wheeled championship. Organizers are hoping that a successful redevelopment of the Hermanos Gálvez circuit will see Formula 1 also return to the capital in the future, following the boom in motorsport fanfare since the arrival of Argentina’s own Franco Colapinto.

The return of the top category of two-wheeled sport will be in 2027, the year Buenos Aires was designated the World Capital of Sport. 

“It’s a day of great joy and pride to officially announce long-awaited news: the return of MotoGP in 2027 in Buenos Aires city,” said Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri. He said the city “used to be the capital of motorsports and motorcycling” and only now can “regain that status” with the sports’ return. 

At a press conference with legendary track designer Hermann Tilke, and other city government officials, he stated that “the most important category of motorcycling” will be back at the Hermanos Gálvez circuit.

The racetrack will be redesigned, with the goal of also hosting F1. The race would have an estimated direct economic impact of around US$140 million according to the organizers’ projections, considering expenses from local and international attendees, tourism, trade, employment, and related industries.

MotoGP returns to Buenos Aires city

The modernization of the Oscar y Juan Gálvez track is based on a project that will require two phases. “Phase one will be immediate, where the circuit will be redesigned, as we aim to host the MotoGP championship by March 2027, and everything that is done will be fundamental to the progress made in Formula 1, which will be the second phase,” said Hermann Tilke.

“We have several exciting elements included for the fan experience. One is a small elevation where spectators can have a nearly 360-degree view of the track. Another is easier access to the track, allowing for a better view of the show from different vantage points,” he added.

MotoGP has been held in the city 10 times: the first in 1961 and the last in 1999. After several years of waiting, the competition returned to Argentina in 2014, at the Termas de Río Hondo racetrack in Santiago del Estero.

The 2025 event marked the long-awaited return of the competition to Argentine soil, after the race was excluded from the 2024 calendar due to government-led budget cuts.

Motorsport commentator and analyst Tatiana San Martín told the Herald that even though the cost of the redevelopment in the Buenos Aires circuit will be pricey, the returns will be “worth it”.

“The contract with MotoGP is for four years, which will allow tourists from all over the world, not just from the Americas. Fans don’t just attend the Sunday race or Friday practice; many arrive a week before and take the opportunity to tour the country. The same thing happened in Santiago del Estero,” she added.

MotoGP now, F1 next?

For the 2027 race, the Jorge Macri-led Buenos Aires city government, will promote a partnership with the private sector to transform the area into “the new center of the city,” creating housing, infrastructure, and a new entertainment and logistics hub for more than 700,000 people.

“We’re going to be among the world’s leading circuits, like Barcelona and Silverstone. This year we were chosen as the 2027 World Capital of Sport, and today we’re taking another step toward consolidating our global leadership in the sport. But we’re not content with that, as we’re challenging ourselves to go further: it’s the first step toward applying again to host Formula 1,” Macri stated, adding: “This return confirms that we’re on the right path.”

“Starting in October, we will be undertaking a complete overhaul of the racetrack, including the track, paddock, pits, safety zones, and the incorporation of the latest technology. With this investment in infrastructure, security, logistics, and connectivity, we are positioning the Gálvez at the level of major racing venues, bringing it up to international standards ,” he emphasized, adding: “Despite the modernization of the circuit, we will preserve the spirit of a historic venue like this.”

Construction will begin between September and December, with an estimated timeframe of six months, during which the racetrack will remain closed. 

Despite the excitement of the announcement, Tatiana San Martín warned that the tight deadlines will need to be met for the event to not fall at the first hurdle. “The government has only six months to carry it out. That’s a very short timeframe considering the magnitude of the infrastructure that needs to be developed.”

“What will happen if the racetrack isn’t approved by March? That’s the key question. And the risk is that we will once again lose the chance of having MotoGP or even Formula 1 on Argentine soil.”