MotoGP team manager admits Brazilian Grand Prix situation is ‘worrying’ after floods

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Flash flooding in Goiania is causing concern among MotoGP teams ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. Social media images showed areas of the circuit completely submerged just two days before the bikes are due to be on track.

The Brazilian GP paddock access tunnel was flooded by 25cm of water, while the first and last corners were both left underwater, raising questions about drainage. An emergency alert has even been sent to local residents urging them not to travel through affected areas.

It’s unclear at this stage whether this will prevent ticket-holders getting to the circuit, but there’s a possibility that MotoGP’s first visit to Brazil for over 20 years will be disrupted.

MotoGP team boss reacts to dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix track flooding

Speaking to GPOne, an unnamed MotoGP team manager said ‘the situation seems worrying to me’, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if his counterparts felt the same way.

There is a high risk of rain throughout the weekend, ranging from 89% on Friday to 68% on Sunday. Grip levels were expected to be low even in dry conditions, so the track could be extremely treacherous for the riders if they are able to venture out.

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If it rains heavily enough, the pit lane could become unusable, and soil from the runoff areas could be washed onto the track surface.

In a more positive update, Spanish journalist German Garcia Casanova said that circuit staff had managed to clear the standing water by 9am on Wednesday. Perhaps it will be a weekend where the FIM have to be flexible with the schedule.

‘We have everything under control’ – MotoGP safety manager on Brazil conditions

In a separate conversation with GPOne, MotoGP safety chief Loris Capirossi called for calm. Tuesday’s ‘incredible’ deluge necessitated an early start for the crews, but they acted quickly and effectively.

With temperatures forecast to hit just under 30 degrees this weekend, the track should dry quickly. Indeed, Michelin have brought their harder tyre casing in anticipation of hot conditions.

One way or another, the riders and teams can expect extreme weather conditions this weekend.

“We’ve been on the track since 6am cleaning and everything is proceeding as planned,” said Capirossi. “Yesterday’s rain was truly unexpected. 70mm of water fell in an hour – it was incredible.

“Now we have everything under control. There are six groups of people working at various points on the track and we are in good shape.

“We are trying to bring the circuit into ideal conditions. The positive aspect is that the asphalt dries very quickly.”