Marc Marquez Fights Off Brother Alex to Take Sprint Win in Termas
The Marquez brother continue to dominate MotoGP and take yet another 1-2 ahead of Pecco Bagnaia in the Argentina Grand Prix sprint.
The Ayrton Senna circuit in Goiânia, Brazil, took a major step toward its MotoGP debut by hosting an exhibition event as preparations ramp up for the series’ return in 2026.
MotoGP confirmed a five-year deal in December, marking the championship’s first visit to Brazil since 2004, with the inaugural race scheduled for March 29, 2026.
The last time MotoGP visited Goiânia was between 1987 and 1989, when Wayne Gardner, Eddie Lawson, and Kevin Schwantz took victories at the circuit.
The Brazilian GP later moved to Interlagos in 1992, before settling at the Nelson Piquet circuit in Rio from 1995 until its final edition in 2004.
A return was initially planned in 2018 but never materialized. Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP’s Sporting Director, shared his optimism about the venue’s potential.
“This is a track made for MotoGP,” he said. “Of course, there are a lot of things the circuit needs to do in the next 12 months, but we’re really happy.”
A great party to get the countdown for the 2026 #BrazilianGP started! 🇧🇷
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) March 17, 2025
Muito obrigado for the love, Brazil! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2hplk2G4cZ
“The fans have been amazing, and we’re thrilled with the hospitality and reception MotoGP has had here in Brazil.”
Dorna CCO Dan Rossomondo added: “It’s great to see the support and to know there’s an audience here.”
“We just have to build on that. Sports is one of the last bastions of communal activity that brings people together.”
“Seeing the passion these fans have for MotoGP and how our riders react to that makes us excited to come back here in a year.”
Following the Argentine Grand Prix, several MotoGP riders traveled to Brazil to visit the Goiânia circuit and build excitement among local fans.
Franco Morbidelli, whose mother is Brazilian, was particularly enthusiastic about the trip.
He joined Luca Marini, as well as Brazilian riders Diogo Moreira and Eric Granado, in meeting fans and signing autographs at a free public event.
Miguel Oliveira was also expected to attend but had to return to Europe for treatment after injuring himself in the sprint race in Argentina.
Meanwhile, the riders present had the opportunity to take to the track on sportbikes, offering them an initial feel for the layout.
“I think it’s a super-fast track”, Marini stated having gotten his first taste of the circuit. “Maybe the average speed is the fastest in the MotoGP calendar.”
“On a circuit like this, where you can see many corners from the grandstands, it will be amazing for the fans. We’ll try to bring them the best show possible.”
Morbidelli echoed the enthusiasm, noting how the Brazilian fans’ energy confirmed that “people are here for MotoGP coming next year.”
If all goes according to plan, MotoGP’s return to Brazil in 2026 will mark the end of a more than two-decade absence and bring top-tier motorcycle racing back to a passionate South American audience.
