Since April 2024, Jorge Panadés has been directing MotorLand Aragón, one of the most significant sports and technology complexes in Spain. In his first year at the helm, Panadés has launched important projects that solidify MotorLand as an international reference in the automotive world, both in terms of competition and technological innovation.
Go Aragón has chatted 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 automotive map.
A year of transformation and investment
Jorge Panadés’s first year as the head 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 was carried out 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 wide run-off areas and a layout with elevations, 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 sports events, increasing from 13 in 2023 to 14 in 2024 and projecting 20 for 2025. Additionally, further investments of 2.5 million euros have been allocated to improve access and internal mobility, vital for visitor comfort.
MotorLand: Sports Complex and Technology Park
For Panadés, MotorLand is much more than a circuit: «MotorLand is a complex that integrates both the sports aspect and a technology park, and we want to be leaders in innovation, training, and the provision of business services in the automotive world, always with sustainability in mind.»
The project is structured around two essential pillars: «The sports part, with facilities for multiple motor disciplines, and the technology park, which houses companies and research centers that develop technologies related to motors, automotive, and sustainable mobility.»
This duality creates a unique ecosystem that combines passion for the sport with technological innovation, generating synergies for the territorial and business development of Aragón.
A national and international reference
MotorLand aspires to solidify its position as a reference both in Spain and abroad. Panadés asserts with conviction: «We want that in a single complex, most motor sports disciplines can be found, while also providing industrial and technological services for companies.»
This «win-win» association adds value to drivers, teams, and companies seeking a space for development, testing, and competition. The quality of the facilities and personalized attention are distinguishing factors, even compared to circuits with better access.
The recognition from figures like Marc Márquez, who has named MotorLand as his favorite circuit, underscores the quality of the layout and the experience the facility offers. Panadés adds: «When a rider of Márquez’s level 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 coverage but also for the economic and tourism impact 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 each year,» highlights Panadés. Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the spectacle, which boosts the tourism sector, hospitality, and local commerce.
Furthermore, the Grand Prix serves as a showcase to promote the rich heritage, nature, and gastronomy of Aragón. «The region’s roads, ideal for motorcycle routes and ‘slow driving’, along with the architectural heritage and natural spaces, become the perfect complement for visitors,» explains the director.
Beyond MotoGP: A diversified sports calendar
While MotoGP is the crown jewel, MotorLand hosts a broad and diversified sports calendar that includes Spanish championships for karting, Superbikes, and other competitions with significant economic impact.
«Small events fill 90% of the hotel beds in the region, which shows that the circuit’s activity is a constant engine for the local economy,» notes Panadés.
This extensive calendar allows for stable occupancy throughout much of the year, maintaining the promotion of the region beyond the major annual event.
Integration in Aragón
MotorLand seeks to be an open project close to the Aragonese community. For this reason, 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 festival,» a family day where people can enjoy the circuit on foot. «We want people to feel part of the project, for MotorLand to be something for everyone,» emphasizes Panadés.
They are also expanding promotions outside 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 technology park, in turn, attracts specialized companies that create jobs and development in Aragón, contributing to sustainable and diversified economic growth.
Multipurpose use and activity throughout the year
MotorLand does not only host sporting events, but it is active for more than 250 days a year with training sessions, product testing, technology tests, and activities for individuals who can drive on the track.
«Moreover, 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 axis for MotorLand. In 2024, they have planted 3,000 trees in collaboration with the Department of Environment, with the goal of creating shaded areas and reducing 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 take advantage of the high solar radiation in the area,» details Panadés.
These initiatives reflect a vision of sustainable future, minimizing environmental impact and providing economic benefits in the medium term.
Challenges and needs: access and talent
One of the challenges…
