Marco Bezzecchi
The Brazilian Grand Prix was hit by severe flooding in the build-up to its return to the MotoGP calendar, sparking concerns among teams and riders.
Goiania’s paddock entry was ‘completely flooded’, with pictures from the track emerging on Thursday. It sparked some doubts as to whether the race would go ahead.
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A team manager described the situation as ‘worrying’ as the teams arrived at the track. However, fortunately, the issue has been resolved by the organisers.
Several team bosses and riders walked the circuit after the flooding had subsided to get their first taste of the Goiania layout and track surface. Davide Tardozzi and Pedro Acosta both reached the same verdict.
Davide Tardozzi and Pedro Acosta say Goiania has ‘a lot of grip’ after floods
Acosta comes into the Brazilian Grand Prix as the championship leader, a first in his MotoGP career. He will be looking to continue the momentum after winning the Sprint in Buriram and finishing second on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Tardozzi and Ducati have work to do after they finished 16 seconds behind Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia in Thailand. Marc Marquez suffered a rear rim failure and was denied a potential podium.
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Goiania presents a new challenge for all riders and teams, with the flooding and weather conditions raising some concerns. But Tardozzi and Acosta both feel the surface has a lot of grip after walking the track on Sunday.
Speaking to AS in Goiania, Tardozzi said: “The asphalt has a lot of grip”. The KTM rider was in agreement: “The circuit is fine. It’s a bit strange and technical, but it’s fine. And the asphalt has grip, although it’s dirty, which will make things difficult for everyone.”
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