Let's talk MotoGP: Brazil is making its return, here's what you need to know

Next weekend, MotoGP will be heading to Brazil! I'm pretty excited about this Grand Prix, and I think you can be too. Why is this race so important? Why is this circuit so historic? Let's find out!

 

A legitimate route for Brazil's return

 

When a new Grand Prix is ​​announced, I'm always wary of the circuit. For over twenty years, F1 has been racing on many soulless, history-less tracks, and I was afraid that, under Liberty Media's ownership, the MotoGP limit. But this project to return to Brazil must have originated even before the American company acquired the championship.And, in any case, the complex meets my criteria.

 

 

First of all, it has a rather interesting story.It was opened in 1974, laid out in the suburbs of Goiânia (from which it takes its common name), a city of two million inhabitants located inland in Brazil. It has a somewhat unusual design, as you will see for yourself during the Grand Prix. Much like Valencia, it's a winding arena folded in on itself., but which also has a fairly long straight section.

On the plus side, it has already hosted MotoGP races three times, from 1987 to 1989. Now called the Ayrton Senna circuit, it seems perfectly legitimate for a return to the calendar. If we're talking about the potential spectators, I bet the Brazilians will turn out in force: Goiânia is located on a very densely populated route in the heart of Brazil. and moreover, only 200 kilometers from Brasilia, the federal capital.

 

Brazil, a country that was lacking

 

You see, I like it when MotoGP proves that it is a global sport. I loved seeing India on the calendar in 2023, and still regret the emerging country's hasty departureSouth America, and Brazil in particular, is an integral part of motorcycling history. In addition to the three Grands Prix held in Goiânia, a race was also held in Interlagos in 1992, and nine in Jacarepagua between 1995 and 2004, in Rio de Janeiro. As for the riders, apart from Alex Barros, there hasn't been much to get excited about, but the arrival of Diogo Moreira in the premier class could help Brazil maintain its presence on the calendar. This, I imagine, is one of the reasons that prompted the governing bodies to plan a Grand Prix there.

In any case, Brazil is a huge market and it needs to be invested in. It's a country that MotoGP was missing, and the fact that we're returning to a circuit that has never been used by Formula 1 makes me very happy; For once, we're not copyingI simply hope that Liberty Media, or rather the brand new MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, will be able to expand into Africa, Kyalami or elsewhere. This continent is sorely missed in the championship ; to such an extent that I would be willing to trade a European leg to go there.

 

Good conditions

 

 

We've been hearing about Goiânia for quite some time now, and not always for the right reasons: the construction project was behind schedule a few months agoBut everything seems ready at the time of writing. Indeed, on the sidelines of the Thai Grand Prix, a dress rehearsal took place on the modernized track, with marshals from São Paulo, the same ones who officiate at Interlagos for Formula 1. According to sources, everything went perfectly, without a hitch. This is positive, and the risk of seeing an unpleasant surprise seems quite limited a few days before the start of the event.

 

Conclusion

 

I think the show will be spectacular. It's always difficult to predict the action on the track given the layout, as many unknown factors come into play, including the tires. However, the Brazilians know how to host. Interlagos is a must-see on the Formula 1 calendar and the atmosphere there is always fantastic. I hope to see the same fervor in the stands of the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna.

Are you as optimistic as I am about this future Grand Prix? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.