The Ayrton Senna International Circuit has taken a definitive step towards the return of the Motorcycle World Championship to Brazilian soil. During the last weekend, the Goiás track hosted the Champions Challenge, a preparatory event designed to test every detail of the track and the logistical operation that will host the second round of the 2026 season between March 20 and 22. The Brazilian Motorcycling Confederation (CBM) confirmed that it has already fulfilled its part in the process, issuing the national homologation after verifying the full operation of all strategic areas.
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The activity put more than 80 riders on the track divided between the Yamalube R3, GP600 and GP1000 categories. National standout names, such as Eric Granado, Gustavo Manso and Kevin Fontainha, tested the new layout which underwent a complete reconstruction to meet the rigorous international standards required by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM). In addition to the riders, the event served as a real simulation for track marshals, first responders, race direction and support teams who will work at the official Grand Prix.
The president of the CBM, Gustavo Jacob, followed the activities alongside Mike Webb, MotoGP race direction coordinator, and Antonio Lima, FIM chief steward in the Superbike World Championship. According to Jacob, the evaluation by the foreign technicians was broadly positive, highlighting especially the efficiency of the track under adverse conditions.
“It was really a real simulation, a simulation for real,” evaluated Gustavo Jacob. “The main thing, which is the track, worked wonderfully well. It rained a lot on Saturday and we were able to test the drainage; Mike Webb rode the track in the middle of the storm and praised it, stating that the drainage is perfect”.
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The investment of 55 million reais made by the government of Goiás included the total reconstruction of the 3,825 meters of asphalt, modernization of pits, paddock, medical center and the construction of a new control tower. Although final adjustments to furniture and facility equipment remain, vital areas such as race control and electronic systems operated without failure during the two days of testing.
“The CBM gave its homologation this weekend and the FIM should issue the official document soon, being now just a bureaucratic matter, as there are no technical pending issues with the international federation,” highlighted the official.
The return of MotoGP to Goiânia ends a long hiatus, as the circuit was the stage for the World Championship between 1987 and 1989. After decades of absence and stints at Interlagos and Jacarepaguá, the rebirth of the Goiás circuit puts Brazil back on the map of the world’s motorcycle racing elite.
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