MotoGP riders once threatened to ‘strike’ at the Brazilian Grand Prix over unpaid prize money

Add as preferred source on Google

The Brazilian Grand Prix returns to MotoGP at the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiania in 2026, and it has a chaotic and problematic past.

Brazil first hosted a race in 1987 at Goiania, and the Brazilian Grand Prix ran at the track for three years. Wayne Gardner, Eddie Lawson and Kevin Schwantz won the events, with the first of the three clinching the title at that round in 1987.

Known for its bumpy and dusty surface, as well as an exciting fan atmosphere, the Brazilian GP moved to Interlagos in 1992 after a three-year hiatus. It dropped off the calendar again until 1995, when it was rebranded as the Rio Grand Prix, with the race being held in the nation’s capital.

Valentino Rossi won the race six times across his career, including four wins in a row between 2000 and 2003. Rio left the MotoGP calendar in 2004, with Brazil not hosting another race until this season’s event.

Goiania will make its return to the sport, having not hosted a race for almost four decades. As aforementioned, it has a chaotic past, including one instance where the Grand Prix almost did not happen.

Riders threatened to ‘strike’ at the 1988 Brazilian GP over unpaid prize money

MotoGP journalist and expert Michael Scott recalled on the Paddock Pass Podcast that the 1988 race was almost the site of a ‘strike’ from the riders. The organisers could not afford to pay the prize money, putting the event in jeopardy.

“There was, on the second, or was it the third running? It was the second, I think, they had three races at Goiania,” said Scott.

“And the day before the race, the organisers announced that they actually couldn’t afford to pay the prize money. The riders were reluctant to race for Brazilian promissory notes instead of actual payment.

“They threatened a strike, and so it was all very, very fraught, but it emerged with lots of running around by IRTA and the FIM, it emerged that in fact some of the teams hadn’t paid their freight bill because they’d been waiting for an invoice which had never been issued by Brazil

“So [it] was rescued at the last minute. Typical last-minute stuff for Brazil because, of course. the Argentinian round should have followed, but that had been cancelled, leaving Brazil to pay all the freight costs, which they couldn’t afford.”

READ MORE: Michelin have decided to bring Ducati’s kryptonite tyre to the Brazilian Grand Prix

Could the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix be in danger?

In the present day, Goiania’s return has been met with excitement among fans and riders. However, there are now some doubts as to whether the event will actually go ahead.

Goiania’s paddock entry is ‘completely flooded’ after intense rainfall in the area. It has raised concerns as to whether the race will take place.

A MotoGP team manager admits the situation is ‘worrying’ for the event. It will be monitored closely as it develops, but it is certainly not a good look for the track and the organisers.

Furthermore, Goiania’s run-off areas are raising safety concerns ahead of the Brazilian GP. Given the fast-paced nature of the track, the risk of a huge accident could be high.