MotoGP returns to Brazil by Graham Holt
For the first time since 2004, MotoGP has a Grand Prix in Brazil this weekend. Then, of course, it was held at Rio de Janeiro but the last time it was held at The Autodromo Internacional de Goiania-Ayrton Senna, was in 1989. One year before the oldest current rider on the grid, Johann Zarco, was born.
The circuit will be the shortest on the calendar with the main race being set to run for 31 laps, one more than the current shortest circuit, Sachsenring, which is run over 30.
Local hero, and MotoGP rookie Diogo Moriera will carry high expectations from the expected full grandstands of Brazilian fans, particularly after his excellent showing in the opening round in Thailand three weeks ago. Perhaps his home GP has come a little too early in the season for the young LCR Honda rider, as rookies tend to perform well at new circuits, where experienced riders and teams have no previous data or experience to give them an advantage. A fact that fellow rookie, Toprak Razgatioglu, will be fully aware of.
Fans will be hoping the race at the front will be as equally exciting as previous round with GP winner Marco Bezzechi and Sprint winner Pedro Acosta showing they can take the race to current Champion, Marc Marquez. Perhaps the most encouraging fact about the three pre race favourites is that they are all on different machines, in Aprilia, KTM & Ducati.
There is an encouraging group of riders able to mix it up with this trio though, who are still to show their full potential in 2026, particularly those on Italian machines. Aprilia’s Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez look very capable of being in the mix, together with the Ducatis of Alex Marquez and Fabio DiGiannantonio. And if the self proclaimed ‘All New’ Pecco Bagnia shows up this weekend, he may show them all the way round.
The contrasting fortunes of the Yamaha factories may again be evident as Honda continues to improve with every outing, whilst the new Yamaha V4 continues to struggle.
Expect plenty of atmosphere and Samba outfits though this weekend, to accompany the fireworks on track. This is, after all, MotoGP.
