As usual, the paddock of the MotoGP buzzing with rumors, most of which naturally come back to our ears...
We hide the majority of them, either because of a confidentiality clause, or for lack of elements allowing us to think that they are something other than rumors, but it also happens that several apparently diffuse elements overlap and, that time, we let you know, with the strict conditional.
However, this time it is more than just a rumor, probably information that has not yet been made official.
At the press conference held after the Argentine Grand Prix, Marc Marquez said he did not know if it would take place next year, but hoped so., in view of the undeniable popular fervor in Termas de Rio Hondo.
According to our information, Termas de Rio Hondo will no longer be on the 2026 calendar, nor later. On the one hand, the agreement signed in 2021 between Dorna Sports and the local authorities only ensured the presence of this circuit until 2025, and without even mentioning the cancellation of the 2024 edition due to austerity measures implemented by the new government of Javier Milei, the remoteness and isolation of this circuit with its unpleasant paddock do not argue in favor of maintaining it on the MotoGP calendar. We can even say that, if it is not yet official, it is already a done deal.… Adios Termas de Rio Hondo!
But the South American continent has shown its interest in MotoGP, both at the rider and fan level, and there is no question of ignoring it!
The most advanced project currently is that of the Brazilian Grand Prix, which should take place from March 29, 2026 on theAutódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia, a route already used between 1987 and 1989.
A little geography wouldn't hurt and allows us to discover that, in terms of isolation, Goiânia is ultimately not much better served than Termas de Rio Hondo...
In terms of layout, we are on an old-style circuit, with a straight line and varied curves, which promises to be fast. It was built in 1974 and its limited size (3,85 km) places it of course within the FIM standards (between 3,5 km and 10 km) but below the ideal recommendations for Grade A, that is to say MotoGP (the ideal layout of such a circuit has a total length between 4,2 km and 4,5 km).
Well, at least the spectators will see the motorcycles go by more often...
Following the Argentine Grand Prix, four drivers with ties to the continent went there for a media promotion operation: Franco Morbidelli, Luca Marini, Diogo Moreira and Eric Granado.
So, one might think that the Brazilian Grand Prix in Goiânia will simply replace the Argentinian Grand Prix in Termas de Rio Hondo...
In 2026, probably yes, but according to our information
Argentina could return to the calendar quite soon, in Buenos Aires, on theJuan y Oscar Galvez Autodromo, which already hosted the Grand Prix until 1999!
It is also an old circuit, whose first layout dates back to 1953 and which, although resurfaced in 2023, is now completely outdated in terms of safety standards.
But the presence of the Argentinian Franco Colapinto in F1 now seems to be encouraging national authorities to want their own GP, and the proximity of the famous megacity of more than 3 million inhabitants makes it an ideal location.
Daniel Scioli, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Sports, is leading this Argentine project: "I have spoken with President Javier Milei and the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, to coordinate all efforts so that Argentina can once again host a Formula 1 race."
On the MotoGP side, we would have already been there...
Photo: GCBA
MotoGP Radio Paddock
