MotoGP returns to Brazil for the first time in over three decades.
After more than three decades away, MotoGP brought the Grand Prix of Brazil back onto the calendar in 2026, returning to Goiania for the first time since 1989.
Goiania hosted the first three editions of the event between 1987 and 1989 before Brazil disappeared from the schedule. The sport eventually came back to South America in 1992, but chose Interlagos over Goiania.
Interlagos only held a single Brazilian GP before organisers began looking for another venue. Between 1995 and 2004, Rio de Janeiro played host to several races, though not under the official title of Brazilian GP.
In December 2024, MotoGP confirmed an agreement with the state of Goias for a five-year deal starting in 2026 to bring top-level racing back to Goiania.
Brazilian Grand Prix: Exploring its MotoGP history
Officially known as the Autodromo Internacional de Goiania – Ayrton Senna, after the iconic Formula 1 driver, Goiania invested in significant upgrades and new facilities to bring back the Brazilian GP from 2026.
MotoGP had tried several times to reintroduce the Brazilian GP before it finally returned to Goiania. In 2019, there was a plan to go back to Rio de Janeiro with a five-year contract, but that deal was cancelled in 2021 because the Rio Motorsports Park was never built.
Even without consistent races on the calendar, Brazil still has a place in MotoGP’s history. The country has hosted memorable moments during both the old 500cc days and into the modern MotoGP era, starting in 2002, largely through events held at Rio de Janeiro.
Wayne Gardner became Australia’s first premier class champion by winning the inaugural Brazilian GP in 1987. Valentino Rossi also made history there, clinching his first title of the MotoGP era at one of those races with four rounds left in the season.
MotoGP didn’t return to Rio after 2004. The circuit was later demolished as part of redevelopment plans ahead of Brazil hosting the Olympic Games in 2016. Makoto Tamada won that final race for Honda with just one of his two career victories.
Examining the layout of the Autodromo Internacional de Goiania – Ayrton Senna
The Autodromo Internacional de Goiania – Ayrton Senna has a layout that mixes fast straights with technical corners, making it a true test for riders. The circuit covers 3.8 kilometres (2.4 miles) and features nine right-hand turns and five left-handers.
Although the track first opened in 1974, it underwent major renovations in 2014 and again before MotoGP’s return in 2026. Improvements included resurfacing, pit lane widening, paddock upgrades, and an updated medical centre.
The lap starts with a slight climb from the final corner to the start-finish straight before descending into Turn 1. Most of the circuit is flat, but its flow rewards bikes that are strong through corners.
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