Gaming and entertainment company 888 has secured the title sponsorship for the Portuguese Grand Prix in a deal brokered by Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder for MotoGP.
The race, scheduled to take place between 16 and 18 April at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, will be renamed as the Grande Premio 888 de Portugal.
One of 21 races in MotoGP’s 2021 race schedule, the calendar gets underway at the Losail International Circuit on Friday. The series will once again return to Qatar, having been forced to restrict its 2020 schedule to European countries as a result of travel protocols put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Pau Serracanta, Managing Director at Dorna Sports, announced: “We are very happy to welcome 888 as title sponsor for the Portuguese Grand Prix and see the 888 name take top billing at one of the most spectacular tracks on the calendar. 888 is a well-known and respected name in the field and we’re very happy to welcome them back to MotoGP.”
Founded in 1997, 888 Holdings has a presence in 60 different countries around the world, including Portugal. The brand offers players in the region a ‘well-regulated and safe gaming environment’.
“It is a thrilling moment for everyone at 888 while we position ourselves as unequivocal supporters for motorcycle sports globally,” remarked Monica Rangel, Head of PT Markets at 888 Portugal.
“In challenging times, we consider this a true sign of confidence for Portugal and a clear statement on its importance in international sports events. Above all at 888 we want to support and celebrate this moment with all Portuguese fans.”
The race series will be aired live in the UK and Ireland via BT Sport, after the broadcaster renewed its rights agreement with MotoGP to provide coverage of a range of different races in a variety of locations from Malaysia to Silverstone.
