Since April 2024, Jorge Panadés has been leading MotorLand Aragón, one of the most important sports and technological complexes in Spain. In his first year at the helm, Panadés has driven significant projects that consolidate MotorLand as an international reference in the automotive world, both in competition and technological innovation.
Go Aragón has spoken with him about the balance of these months, the challenges he faces, the economic impact, the commitment to sustainability, and the roadmap to position Aragón on the global motorsport map.
A Year of Transformation and Investment
Jorge Panadés’ first year in charge of MotorLand Aragón has been intense and full of challenges. In his own words: “We have experienced a year with many actions, and two of the most notable have been the return of the MotoGP Grand Prix and the resurfacing of the circuit, which occurred after 15 years.”
This intervention involved an investment of over 5.5 million euros, a project that “has improved safety and quality for drivers and teams,” explains Panadés. The new asphalt, along with the wide runoff areas and a layout with elevation changes, offers a unique and safe experience for competitors and fans.
With the return of the Aragón Grand Prix in 2024, “attendance improved compared to the previous year and MotorLand continues to grow in the number of sporting events,” increasing from 13 in 2023 to 14 in 2024 and projecting 20 for 2025. Additionally, additional investments of 2.5 million euros have been announced to improve access and internal mobility, vital for visitor comfort.
MotorLand: Sports Complex and Technological Park
For Panadés, MotorLand is much more than a circuit: “MotorLand is a complex that integrates both the sporting aspect and a technological park, and we want to be leaders in innovation, training, and the provision of business services in the motorsport world, always with sustainability in mind.”
The project is structured around two essential pillars: “The sporting part, with facilities for multiple motor disciplines, and the technological park, which hosts companies and research centers developing technologies related to motorsport, automotive, and sustainable mobility.”
This duality creates a unique ecosystem that combines passion for sport with technological innovation, generating synergies for territorial and business development in Aragón.
A National and International Reference
MotorLand aspires to establish itself as a reference both in Spain and abroad. Panadés states with conviction: “We want that, in a single complex, most motor sports disciplines can be found, while also offering industrial and technological services for companies.”
This “win-win” partnership adds value for drivers, teams, and companies seeking a space for development, testing, and competition. The quality of the facilities and personalized attention are differentiating factors, even compared to circuits with better access.
The recognition of figures such as Marc Márquez, who has named MotorLand as his favorite circuit, underscores the quality of the layout and the experience offered by the facility. Panadés adds: “When a rider of Márquez’s caliber identifies MotorLand as his favorite track, it is a clear indication of the excellence we have achieved.”
The Impact of the Aragón Grand Prix
The Aragón Grand Prix is one of the most important sporting events in the community, not only for its media impact but also for the economic and tourism effects it generates.
“For a city like Alcañiz and for Aragón in general, having a MotoGP World Championship event means putting us on the map for one week a year,” highlights Panadés. Thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the spectacle, which boosts the tourism sector, hospitality, and local commerce.
Additionally, the Grand Prix serves as a showcase to promote the cultural, natural, and gastronomic wealth of Aragón. “The region’s roads, ideal for motorcycle routes and ‘slow driving’, along with its architectural heritage and natural spaces, become the perfect complement for visitors,” explains the director.
Beyond MotoGP: A Diversified Sporting Calendar
While MotoGP is the crown jewel, MotorLand hosts a broad and diversified sporting calendar that includes national karting championships, Superbikes, and other competitions with significant economic impact.
“Smaller events fill 90% of hotel rooms in the area, showing that the circuit’s activity is a constant driver for the local economy,” notes Panadés.
This broad calendar allows for stable occupancy throughout much of the year, promoting the region beyond the major annual event.
Integration in Aragón
MotorLand seeks to be an open project close to the Aragonese community. Therefore, they have developed initiatives to bring the circuit closer to citizens, such as the “track invasion” after MotoGP, where fans can access the track and podium.
Additionally, they have promoted events like the “winter family day,” where families can enjoy the circuit on foot. “We want people to feel part of the project, that MotorLand is something for everyone,” highlights Panadés.
They are also extending promotion beyond Alcañiz, with events and pre-events in Zaragoza, Teruel, and Huesca.
Benefits for the Local Business and Tourism Fabric
MotorLand generates direct economic movement and also benefits the local business and tourism fabric. “The direct economic impact of the circuit exceeds 47 million euros, but the value also lies in the activity it generates for small businesses and shops in the area,” points out Panadés.
The technological park, for its part, attracts specialized companies that generate employment and development in Aragón, contributing to sustainable and diversified economic growth.
Multipurpose Use and Year-Round Activity
MotorLand not only hosts sports events but also remains active for more than 250 days a year with training, product testing, technological tests, and activities for individuals who can drive on the track.
“Furthermore, the facilities are used for vehicle presentations and conventions, showcasing the versatility of the complex and its ability to attract different types of clients,” states the director.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a fundamental pillar for MotorLand. In 2024, they have planted 3,000 trees in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, aiming to create shaded areas and reduce the carbon footprint.
“We are developing an area for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and we are preparing a project to install photovoltaic panels that harness the high solar radiation in the area,” details Panadés.
These initiatives reflect a sustainable future vision that minimizes environmental impact and provides economic benefits in the medium term.
