MXGP 2026: Motocross World Championship Comes to Río Negro, Argentina

Bariloche, in the province of Río Negro, Argentina, is gearing up to host the MXGP, the opening round of the 2026 Motocross World Championship, on March 7-8. This event marks the return of the World Motocross Championship to Patagonia and is expected to draw the world’s top 80 motocross pilots competing in the MXGP and MX2 categories.

A New Track for a Global Stage

The competition will take place on a newly designed circuit, the Bariloche MX Race Track, extending 1,800 metres with 21 curves. The track features a variety of challenging elements, including flat jumps, ascents, descents, over 18 rollers, and an uphill triple jump. The course was designed by Spanish designer Gabriel Villada.

Did You Know? The MXGP Championship reaches a global audience of millions of viewers in over 130 countries.

Economic and Tourism Boost for Río Negro

The arrival of the MXGP is a strategic decision by the Government of Río Negro, aiming to develop sports tourism as a tool for international positioning. The Agency of Tourism of Río Negro (ATUR) is planning initiatives before, during, and after the event, including an institutional stand, digital campaigns, and promotional activations at airports in Bariloche, Aeroparque, and Ezeiza.

Media coverage will be extensive, with Cadena 3 providing live broadcasts across the country and A24 Agenda Turística offering coverage and highlighting Dina Huapi and Bariloche as tourist destinations. Travel operators, including Amichi, Grupo GEA, and CVC Argentina, are working to create packages that include event tickets.

Expert Insight: Hosting an event like the MXGP provides a significant opportunity to showcase a region’s natural beauty and tourism infrastructure on a global scale, potentially leading to increased investment and long-term economic benefits.

The championship’s broad reach is expected to position Bariloche and Río Negro as an international showcase, associating motorsports with the Patagonian landscape and quality tourism services. Diego Piquin, Director ejecutivo of ATUR, stated that the event is “a unique global showcase” and “an historical opportunity” to promote the province.

Beyond the international exposure, the event is anticipated to have a direct positive impact on the local and regional economy, with high hotel occupancy and increased activity in the gastronomy, commerce, and service sectors. The newly constructed, homologated circuit will remain as a legacy for future competitions and sporting activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the MXGP Argentina YPF take place?

The MXGP Argentina YPF will take place on March 7-8, 2026, in Bariloche, province of Río Negro.

How long is the Bariloche MX Race Track?

The Bariloche MX Race Track is 1,800 metres long and features 21 curves.

Where can I purchase tickets for the event?

Tickets are available for purchase online through PaseShow and EntradaUno.

Will events like this continue to draw international attention to the region and its tourism potential?