IRTA has awarded the third round of the 2009 MotoGP World Championship season at Jerez in Spain as the 26th annual Best Grand Prix.

Over 120,000 fans were present at the Gran Premio bwin.com de España in May as Valentino Rossi took his first win of the season on his way to his ninth world championship title, and the superb organisation of the event has led to the title of Best Grand Prix returning to the track.

IRTA president Hervé Poncharal took great pleasure in announcing the award.

“We are delighted at Jerez winning the Best Grand Prix Poll for the first time since 1990. This is one of the traditional homes of MotoGP, serving an incredible atmosphere as teams and fans gather here for the first European event of the season,” he stated. “Jerez has always been a fantastic location for the Grand Prix, a great racetrack with the huge crowds giving the event a unique atmosphere, one which truly highlights the passion and excitement of MotoGP.

“It also has the accolade of being the longest standing of the three racetracks that make up the Spanish rounds of MotoGP. Jerez works year on year to improve its facilities for teams and spectators alike, and since the construction of the new pit and paddock facility, first used by MotoGP in 2003, it has set a benchmark for other circuits to emulate.”

Mayoress of Jerez de la Frontera and President of the Jerez Speed Circuit, Pilar Sánchez Muñoz thanked IRTA for the award.

“I would like to thank the members of IRTA for awarding us with the prize as the best organisation among all the circuits that have taken part in the Grand Prix calendar during the 2009 season,” he said. “I would also like to express my appreciation to everyone involved in this organisation that has now been recognised, rewarding the work and effort undertaken by all involved.

“The Grand Prix of Spain 2010 is faced with renewed hope, and far from relaxing us this award is going to be a great incentive to keep improving in the future to make the Grand Prix of Spain, at Jerez, unforgettable.”