This week, MotoGP touches down in Brazil after a 22-year hiatus for the Estrella Galicia 0.0 Grand Prix of Brazil. Serving as the second round of the 2026 calendar, riders return to the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia, which served as the Brazilian Grand Prix venue in the 1980s. With no one on the current grid having raced at this track before, it’s a new experience for everyone.
The last time Brazil hosted a MotoGP race was in 2004, with the Cinzano Rio Grand Prix. Held at the Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet, the last MotoGP rider to win a race in Brazil was Makoto Tamada on the Camel Honda. As we enter the second round in 2026, Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing arrive as the reigning race winners, whilst Pedro Acosta and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have an early lead in the championships.
Brazil’s MotoGP History
The Brazilian Grand Prix debuted in MotoGP in 1987. Goiânia hosted the first three events; however, in 1990, it was removed due to organisational problems. Ultimately, it didn’t return due to safety concerns—specifically over the insufficient run-off areas at the end of the main straight and the Miolo hairpin.
In 1992, Brazil headed to the Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos). At this time, Bernie Ecclestone held the commercial rights to MotoGP. Consequently, he chose the famed F1 circuit to hold the race. However, the event didn’t go to plan. Fuel supply issues cancelled the first practice session, and smog and rainfall disrupted the rest of the weekend. Attendance was low, and there were reports of pickpocketing from the fans. These issues, paired with rider concern over the bumpy surface of the track, meant that this was only a one-off appearance.
After a year’s absence, Brazil returned to the calendar for the Rio Grand Prix. This event was held at the Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet in Rio de Janeiro. The track remained on the calendar from 1995 to 2004. Honda became a dominant force at this circuit, winning seven of the nine races held. Whilst Makoto Tamada took the final win in 2004, Valentino Rossi saw plenty of success here, with four wins in a row.
Since 2004, there have been many discussions about the series returning to Brazil. MotoGP looked into returning to the Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet for the 2014 season and was planning significant upgrades. Despite these plans, the race didn’t return as funding for the changes couldn’t be secured. Then, in 2019, MotoGP signed a deal with the Rio Motorpark to host the Brazilian Grand Prix from 2022 for five years. However, it hasn’t featured on the calendar.
Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna
Despite no further news on the Rio Motorpark, MotoGP finally returns to Brazil in 2026. The initial venue of the event was announced to be returning in December 2024. Now, we head back to the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna for the first time in 37 years.
The circuit itself is 2.38 miles long with 14 turns. It mixes high speeds on the long straights with technical corners. Upon its return, the track has seen some changes from when it was last visited. In order to meet the FIM grade to host a modern MotoGP race, the track has been resurfaced and expanded its run-off areas. They have also widened the pit lane entrance and upgraded the medical centre. In addition, the electronic systems have been upgraded for race control
Honda, Yamaha, and former manufacturer Suzuki have all won a race here. Despite the long absence, will Honda and Yamaha be able to achieve a second win on the circuit? No current riders have ridden at this track, levelling the playing field for all. Practice 1 will be crucial this weekend, as riders and teams fight to understand the track and adjust quicker than their competition.
Goiânia has seen heavy rain in the lead up to the race weekend, and it’s forecasted to continue. Early reports suggested that the track had flooded, but luckily, it has been drained. The addition of rain will add an extra level of difficulty as the riders get to grips with the circuit.
Rookie Diogo Moreira will also celebrate his second race at home. The Brazilian will be carrying the support of his country as he looks to improve from his first outing. Finishing 13th in the feature race, Moreira achieved points on debut and helped show that Honda has made a leap forward over the off-season. He’ll be hoping to continue his impressive start and have a good home race.
Building Momentum
Coming into the second round of the 2026 season, Pedro Acosta has an early lead in the championship. After his maiden win at the Thailand sprint, a second place in the feature race gave him a seven-point lead over Marco Bezzecchi. Over the Thai weekend, Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing looked as if they’d closed the gap to the previously dominant Ducati and emerged as the favourites of the season.
Reigning champion, Marc Márquez, struggled in his first race back. A late penalty cost him the win in the sprint race, whilst an untimely puncture saw him retire on Sunday. When riding, he didn’t look to be in the same form he showed last year. Was this an early sign that he’s not back to full fighting strength after his injury? Or was it just an off weekend after being unwell during testing? He currently sits eighth in the championship, but, as he said, “the championship is super long”, so there’s time for him to catch up.
Similar to last year, Manuel González took the first win of the year in Moto2. He narrowly won the interrupted race over Izan Guevara. After his frightening crash, David Alonso will be back racing and hoping for a better weekend. Unfortunately, Luca Lunetta will not be racing as he focuses on recovering. SpeedRS Team have Dennis Foggia in as Lunetta’s replacement. And it was a photo finish in Moto3 when David Almansa won by a mere 0.003 seconds over Máximo Quiles. The pair battled for the win, will that continue throughout the season?
Schedule
The schedule for the weekend is as follows. Please note, all times are in CET.
With the track unknown to all, who will be able to perform from the get-go? This weekend is about learning the Brazilian track and continuing momentum early on. After missing the first round as he continued to recover, Fermín Aldeguer will return and make his 2026 debut. Acosta sits at the top, but can he continue his form from Thailand, or will Bezzecchi usurp him? Round 2 of the 2026 season is about to begin. Don’t miss it.