MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Marc Marquez with Ducati Lenovo Team became a central figure at the 2026 Brazil MotoGP in Goiania after the race was impacted by severe track issues that triggered an official investigation.
MotoGP’s return to Brazil for the first time in 22 years fell short of expectations due to structural problems at the circuit. Heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the event disrupted final asphalt works, while a sinkhole that appeared on the main straight on Saturday was traced to the collapse of an undocumented underground sewage system beneath the surface.
MotoGP Race Direction, operating under the authority of the FIM, confirmed that asphalt degradation at Turns 11 and 12 on Sunday was caused by a combination of high temperatures and intense track usage. Sessions from Moto2, Moto3, and the MotoGP warm-up accelerated surface wear, raising significant safety concerns ahead of the main race.
“Unprecedented rainfall impacted the final works and contributed to the track surface issues.”
“On Saturday, a significant defect emerged due to the collapse of an undocumented old sewage system beneath the surface.”
As a mitigation measure, Race Direction decided to reduce the race distance to 23 laps, approximately 75% of the original total. The decision was taken moments before the start, prioritising rider safety, although several competitors including Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing and Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing criticised the limited notice provided to adjust tyre strategies.
From a regulatory standpoint, the FIM reiterated that circuit homologation begins more than a year in advance, involving detailed inspections of construction areas and asphalt composition tailored to local conditions. However, the Brazil incident has prompted renewed scrutiny over the robustness of these procedures under extreme environmental variables.
MotoGP also confirmed that both the promoter and circuit authorities have acknowledged the shortcomings and committed to resolving them ahead of the next season. Despite the operational challenges, the event attracted 148,384 spectators, highlighting the strong commercial potential of Brazil within MotoGP’s global expansion strategy.
This situation places increased pressure on operational standards and safety execution as the championship moves forward, with the next round expected to serve as a critical benchmark following the disruptions witnessed in Brazil.
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