The MotoGP World Championship returns to Valencia this weekend (14–16 November), and the post-race awards ceremony will feature a special performance by global music icon Daddy Yankee.
Last year’s finale was relocated to Barcelona following devastating floods in Valencia that claimed 237 lives and damaged regional infrastructure. The return to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo marks a restoration of MotoGP tradition, as the venue has hosted the season finale every year since the start of the four-stroke era in 2002.
This year’s awards event, however, aims to move beyond tradition, embracing a more global and entertainment-focused approach. MotoGP has taken inspiration from Formula One’s efforts to blend sport and mainstream culture.
The inclusion of Daddy Yankee – a 49-year-old reggaeton legend with a career spanning over three decades and more than 50 million Instagram followers – reinforces this ambition. His appearance follows the success of his latest single, Sonríele, which recently topped Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart. Over his career, Daddy Yankee has earned 29 number-one hits and holds the record for the most top-10 entries on the chart.
“This year’s awards are about celebrating the sport in a way that reflects its global energy and passion,” said Kelly Brittain, Managing Director of Global Marketing at MotoGP. “Partnering with Smax Entertainment and bringing artists like Daddy Yankee to the stage shows our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences and showcasing MotoGP as more than just racing – it’s a cultural phenomenon.”
Following the Valencia Grand Prix, teams will stay on for Tuesday’s post-race test (18 November). Yamaha is expected to continue development of its new V4 engine and debut World Superbike Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu in an official MotoGP test. Meanwhile, 2024 MotoGP Champion Jorge Martin will begin preparations for his new Aprilia campaign, as Marc Marquez remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained in Indonesia.
