Buenos Aires Racetrack Renovation Progresses for International Racing

The Oscar y Juan Gálvez Racetrack in Buenos Aires is undergoing a comprehensive modernization project to restore its international competitiveness, with the primary goal of hosting the MotoGP world championship in 2027.

Construction at the historic Argentine circuit is progressing seven days a week, with a workforce of more than 150 people dedicated to the renovation. The project is being executed by the construction company AUSA under the supervision of the City of Buenos Aires government.

The redesign of the facility is being coordinated with Tilke Engineers & Architects, a firm known for developing circuits that host both Formula 1 and MotoGP events globally.

Infrastructure and Track Specifications

Work began in January 2026, starting with the demolition of the old pit building, which had been constructed for the last Formula 1 visit to Argentina in 1995. This initial phase also included the removal of existing track sections and the demolition of grandstands to facilitate a new layout.

The new layout for MotoGP will have a total length of 4,300 meters. Technical specifications for the surface include a 7% bank at Turn 4 and an overall average bank ranging between 2% and 3%.

To meet the requirements of international racing, the track width is being expanded from 9.5 meters to 12 meters along its entire length, with the exception of the main straight, which will remain 15 meters wide.

The project also includes the construction of a new pit structure measuring 265 meters long and 23 meters wide. This facility will house 32 new pits, each 7 meters wide, and will include technical areas located beneath a control tower. The planned covered area is at least 12,047 square meters, with an additional uncovered area of at least 6,214 square meters.

Strategic Goals and Future Prospects

While the immediate focus is the return of MotoGP, the modernization plan is designed with an eye toward the future return of Formula 1. Head of Government Jorge Macri stated that the city is working to make Buenos Aires the World Capital of Sport by 2027.

The track design specifically accounts for the needs of hybrid power units, incorporating the necessary percentage of braking zones required to recharge batteries.

Technological upgrades include the installation of new traffic light systems and LED electronic flags approved for both MotoGP and Formula 1 categories. Safety conditions throughout the circuit are also being reinforced, and the pit lane is being widened with a new pit wall.

Logistics and Official Inspections

On March 26, 2026, top officials from the MotoGP world championship visited the site to inspect the progress. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, and sporting director Carlos Ezpeleta toured the facility alongside AUSA president Juan Pablo Fasanella and Orlando Terranova, president of the OSD development group.

The return of the series to Buenos Aires in 2027 will see the revamped circuit replace Termas de Rio Hondo on the calendar.

To accommodate the expected influx of fans, the project includes plans to increase the racetrack’s capacity to host over 150,000 spectators during a MotoGP race weekend. A new access point via Avenida 27 de Febrero is being opened to improve the flow of entry and exit for the public.

The company overseeing the renovations expects to complete the construction work in December 2026.