MotoGP reveals the cause of track issues in Brazil

Last weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix marked the first time in 22 years that MotoGP raced in Brazil, however, issues with the revamped Ayrton Senna circuit in Goiania plagued both races on Saturday and Sunday. 

The sprint was affected by a sinkhole on the main straight, which caused a lengthy delay to the start of the race. That was then followed by damage to the asphalt on Sunday, leading to the main race being shortened from 31 laps to 23, just moments before the Grand Prix was due to start. The track also suffered from flooding due to heavy rain earlier in the week.

Sunday’s race was won by Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi, who has won both Grand Prix races so far in 2026, while Ducati rider Marc Marquez took victory in the sprint. However, both races were overshadowed by the track issues. 

MotoGP’s race direction, on behalf of the governing body, the FIM, has since issued a statement after an investigation was carried out.

The statement says “unprecedented rainfall” was one of the reasons behind the track issues, while the sinkhole was caused by “an undocumented old sewage system” that was beneath the surface.  

MotoGP’s statement said: 

“Following the challenges with the track surface during the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Circuit and Race Promoter have carried out investigations into the causes, including the unprecedented rainfall which impacted the final works and contributed to the track surface issues. 

“On Saturday, a significant defect in the track emerged due to the collapse of an undocumented old sewage system beneath the surface. The problem, which was fortunately off the racing line, was immediately attended to and repaired following a quick response from the Circuit, which allowed track activity to continue later in the day. On Sunday, localised asphalt degradation caused by the significant heat and track activity became apparent following the conclusion of the Moto2 Grand Prix.

“Despite removing all excess aggregate ahead of the MotoGP Grand Prix, a small risk of continued surface deterioration during the MotoGP race remained. Circuit staff were working right up to the scheduled start to prepare the track, but in the interest of safety, Race Direction took the decision to reduce the race to 23 laps (75 per cent of the original race distance). Teams were immediately informed of the change by IRTA staff on each row of the grid.”

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