Davide Brivio has said the circuit for this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix hasn’t been properly prepared for MotoGP’s return, with recent flooding adding to the issues.
Earlier in the week, an entrance to the paddock was underwater, and several areas of the circuit were also flooded. One team manager described the situation as “worrying.”
The heat in Goiania has helped dry out the track quickly, and trucks have been brought in to clear standing water. But Francesco Bagnaia believes there will be “big problems” if any of the sessions are hit by rain due to the high-speed layout, a view echoed by other riders.
Davide Brivio speaks out on pre-race concerns ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix
The MotoGP calendar hasn’t included Goiania since 1989, and there are already concerns that the circuit’s drainage isn’t up to scratch. There have also been reports of the track ‘weeping,’ with water rising through cracks in the asphalt.
Brivio spoke to Sky Italia about how the lead-up to the race – including a revised Friday practice schedule – reflected poorly on MotoGP. He questioned how the series could expand if these kinds of problems keep popping up at new venues.
“I’m sad to see these things,” said Brivio. “We’re all happy to come to Brazil, because it will be great to go to Argentina next year, too, but I’m very disappointed with the level of preparation at this circuit.
“There’s a lot of talk about MotoGP needing to grow: we’re also being asked to invest and present ourselves at a high level, and we’re happy to do so.
“However, I think the promoter also needs to do their part. It’s true that every time you go to a new track there are always teething problems, but the level of MotoGP we want can no longer afford these situations.”
Debate emerges over viral image of Brazilian Grand Prix flooding
In an odd twist before the race, a photo showing parts of the track underwater went viral, with some claiming it was generated by AI.
However, The Race’s Simon Patterson confirmed the image is real and there may be some ‘PR spin’ at play to help protect the event’s reputation.
While Marc Marquez called the venue “beautiful,” concerns have also been raised about the lack of run-off at the high-speed first corner, which could become a topic during the weekend.
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