MotoGP secures title sponsor for showpiece Czech race

Helmet manufacturer HJC has been named the title sponsor of this year’s Czech leg of the MotoGP motorcycling world championship.

The event will take place at the Brno circuit on August 21 and will officially be titled the HJC Helmets Grand Prix České Republiky. The company struck the deal with Dorna Sports, MotoGP’s commercial rights holder.

“As we celebrate HJC’s 45th anniversary, we are extremely pleased to be the first helmet company in the world to be the title sponsor of a very special MotoGP race event,” HJC founder and chief executive W.K. Hong said. “We feel that this is a direct way to give back to our industry and to support the sport of motorcycle racing that we so dearly love.”

The long-term future of the Czech GP was secured in January, when it was announced that Brno would continue to stage its annual event until 2020.

Financial troubles last year cast doubt over Brno’s ability to host races at its 3.3-mile circuit. However, an agreement between Dorna Sports and the local Moravian government was reached in August to ensure the race’s future, before an official announcement was made in January.

Brno has staged a MotoGP event every year since 1987, with the exception of 1992. The 2016 season begins on March 20 in Qatar.