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 launched significant projects that establish MotorLand as an international benchmark in the motor world, both in competition and in technological innovation.
Go Aragón has talked 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 motor map.
A Year of Transformation and Investment
The first year of Jorge Panadés in the management 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 re-asphalting operation of the circuit, which was carried out after 15 years.”
This intervention involved an investment of more than 5.5 million euros, a project that “has improved safety and quality for riders and teams,” explains Panadés. The new asphalt, along with wide run-off areas and a track 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, with plans for 20 in 2025. Additionally, additional investments of 2.5 million euros have been tendered to improve access and internal mobility, vital for the comfort of visitors.
MotorLand: Sports Complex and Technological Park
For Panadés, MotorLand is much more than a circuit: “MotorLand is a complex that integrates both the sports aspect and a technological park, and we want to be leaders in innovation, training, and providing business services in the motor world, always with sustainability in mind.”
The project is structured around two essential pillars: “The sports aspect, with facilities for multiple motor disciplines, and the technological park, which houses companies and research centers developing technologies related to motors, automotive, and sustainable mobility.”
This duality creates a unique ecosystem that combines passion for sports with technological innovation, generating synergies for the territorial and business development of Aragón.
A National and International Benchmark
MotorLand aims to establish itself as a benchmark both in Spain and abroad. Panadés affirms with conviction: “We want that in a single complex, most of the motor sports disciplines can be found, while also providing industrial and technological services for companies.”
This “win-win” partnership adds value for riders, teams, and companies looking for 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 like Marc Márquez, who has named MotorLand as his favorite circuit, underscores the quality of the track and the experience the facility offers. Panadés adds: “When a rider of Márquez’s caliber names 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 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 a year,” highlights Panadés. Thousands of visitors arrive to enjoy the spectacle, boosting the tourism sector, hospitality, and local commerce.
Moreover, the Grand Prix serves as a showcase to promote the rich heritage, natural attractions, and gastronomy of Aragón. “The region’s roads, ideal for motorcycle touring and ‘slow driving,’ along with architectural heritage and natural spaces, create a perfect complement for visitors,” explains the director.
Beyond MotoGP: A Diversified Sports Calendar
Although MotoGP is the crown jewel, MotorLand hosts a broad and diversified sports calendar that includes Spanish championships in karting, Superbikes, and other competitions with significant economic impact.
“Smaller events cover 90% of hotel beds in the area, which shows that the activity of the circuit is a constant engine for the local economy,” points out Panadés.
Integration into Aragón
MotorLand seeks to be an open project close to the Aragón community. Therefore, initiatives have been developed to bring the circuit closer to citizens, such as the “track invasion” after MotoGP, where fans can access the track and podium.
Additionally, events like the “winter day” have been promoted, a family-friendly event where people can enjoy the circuit on foot. “We want people to feel part of the project, that MotorLand is something for everyone,” emphasizes Panadés.
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 is also in the activity it generates for small businesses and shops in the area,” notes Panadés.
Versatile Use and Activity Throughout the Year
MotorLand not only hosts sports events but is active for more than 250 days a year with training sessions, product testing, technological tests, and activities for individuals who can drive on the track.
“Additionally, 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 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 take advantage of the high solar radiation in the area,” details Panadés.
Challenges and Needs: Access and Talent
One of the challenges that Panadés points out is accessibility to the complex, which does not have direct fast roads from major urban centers.
“Access remains a pending issue and we must continue working to improve arrival to MotorLand, which, although it does not have poor access, does not have a direct fast road,” he explains.
To attract and retain talent, MotorLand offers work flexibility and promotes an appealing work environment. “It is essential to connect with Zaragoza and other locations to maintain a qualified and committed team.”
Institutional Support and the Future
