Indy sign MotoGP deal

Indianapolis - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host a fourth MotoGP race next year after a one-year contract extension was agreed.

"The extension of the agreement for a further year allows all parties involved to continue providing a superb weekend of racing at Indianapolis next season," said Carmelo Ezpeleta, chief executive of MotoGP commercial rights holders Dorna Sports.

Jeff Belskus, chief executive of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, said the famed venue was a good fit for motorcycle racing.

"We’re thrilled to welcome back the stars and machines of MotoGP in 2011," Belskus said.

"This is a unique weekend that our fans enjoy, bringing the international flavor and great action of MotoGP to the Speedway.

Motorcycles had never raced at the famed Brickyard until 2008, when speedway officials replaced Indy's Formula One race with MotoGP.

The original three-year deal was to expire after this weekend's event, which opened with practice on Friday and continues with practice and qualifying on Saturday ahead of Sunday's race.