MotoGP is set to return to Brazil in 2026 for the first time in 22 years, securing a five-year deal to race at the Ayrton Senna circuit in Goiania. This move aims to tap into the South American market, with Brazil recognized as a vital area for growth in the championship’s audience.
In a significant development for motorsport in South America, MotoGP has announced its return to Brazil in 2026 after an absence of 22 years. A five-year agreement has been established for the prestigious event to be hosted at the Ayrton Senna circuit in Goiania, which is named in honor of the legendary Brazilian Formula 1 champion. The contract will secure MotoGP events in Brazil until at least 2030, with Goiania previously having hosted races from 1987 to 1989 before the championship moved to Sao Paulo and later Rio de Janeiro until 2004.
As MotoGP seeks to broaden its audience, South America has been identified as a critical market, with Argentina already listed as one of the venues in the provisional 2025 calendar. Carmelo Ezpeleta, the CEO of Dorna Sports, expressed optimism regarding the agreement, highlighting Brazil’s importance as a global player in motorsports and the potential for growth in this key market for both the sport and the manufacturers involved. In November, Spanish rider Jorge Martin earned his first MotoGP championship title, further increasing the excitement surrounding the sport’s resurgence in Brazil.
MotoGP is recognized as one of the premier motorcycle racing series globally, with a history of attracting substantial audiences. Brazil has a rich motorsport heritage, yet it has been absent from the MotoGP calendar since the early 2000s. The Ayrton Senna circuit, named after one of the most revered figures in Brazilian motorsport history, offers a suitable venue to reignite the sport’s popularity in the region. The reintroduction of MotoGP is seen as a strategic move to tap into the Brazilian fanbase and to enhance the championship’s profile in South America.
The return of MotoGP to Brazil in 2026 signifies a major milestone not only for the championship but also for Brazilian motorsport fans who have long awaited the sport’s resurgence. With a five-year commitment from Dorna Sports, the series aims to expand its influence and audience in South America. As Brazil prepares to welcome MotoGP back, the focus will be on harnessing the excitement generated by this announcement to elevate motorsport culture in the country.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
