Marco Bezzecchi
The Brazilian Grand Prix returns to the MotoGP calendar later this month, but the latest images of the circuit raise a potential safety concern. There is arguably insufficient run-off at two high-speed sections of the track.
MotoGP returns to Brazil for the first time since 2004, when the race was known as the Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix. There was an unsuccessful attempt to relaunch the sport in the city in the early 2020s.
A lack of funding had previously scuppered plans to stage a race in Brasilia, the nation’s capital. But the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiania is about to succeed where those venues failed.
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Brazilian Grand Prix circuit features 80m run-off after 1.1km straight
Goiania last hosted a premier class race in 1989, when Kevin Schwantz took victory for Suzuki. Naturally, upgrades had to be made to the circuit before it could make a comeback.
But as noted by Motosprint, there are still concerns about its suitability for modern motorcycles. The straight between the final corner and turn one is 1.1km long, which could see riders reach ‘record’ speeds of around 350kph.
The start/finish straight in Mugello is similarly quick, but it ends with 120m of run-off, mostly made up of gravel. By contrast, there is only 80m of space and 40m of gravel before the turn-one barriers in Brazil.
The first corner is described as a ‘fast right-hander’ that could be taken in fourth gear. Satellite images also show a lack of room on the outside of the turn four hairpin, known as ‘Miolo’.
Lap times are expected to reach the 1:15 mark, equating to an immense average speed of 185kph.
Amid Thailand controversy and Qatar doubts, MotoGP desperately needs smooth Brazil weekend
It should be stressed that the circuit has had to pass FIM safety inspections before regaining its place on the calendar.
That said, in the run-up to the 2026 season, MotoGP bosses came under fire for dropping Phillip Island in favour of former F1 circuit Adelaide, which some experts regard as unsuitable.
While the thrilling season opener in Thailand has brought some positive publicity, there was also controversy. Marc Marquez’s Michelin rear tyre failed, ending his race and his hopes of a podium.
Far more importantly, the Qatar Grand Prix could be cancelled amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The race is just five weeks away.
In this context, the sport desperately needs the Brazil weekend to go smoothly. The hope is that it will be a celebration and a commercial triumph, rather than a fiasco.
The riders will no doubt be asked to give their opinions on the layout when they face the media on the Thursday before the race.
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