Flooding delays start of MotoGP's Brazil weekend

MotoGP

Simon Patterson

20 Mar 2026 — 1 min read

The opening track action at Brazil’s first MotoGP event in 20 years has been delayed due to further heavy rain at the Goiania circuit overnight that has once again left significant parts of the circuit underwater. 

The region has been hit by heavy flooding in the week building up to the first race at the track since 1989, with significant parts of the circuit completely inundated.

Despite significant work from the organisers (aided even by groups of prisoners from local jails) to try to remove as much of the flooding as possible, they are fighting against the weekend’s weather forecast. After the heavy showers on Thursday there is more rain due throughout the next three days. 

The issue is further complicated by the late finish of works at the track that has left exposed areas of thick red mud that the rain carried onto the circuit and contaminated it.  

And, with more of that rain coming overnight on Friday ahead of the first track action, it means Moto3 was unable to get underway at 0900 local time as trucks continue to pump water out of the gravel traps and street sweepers try to clear the circuit.

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Heavy flooding at Goiania circuit delays Brazil's first MotoGP weekend in 20 years.

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This marks a challenging return for MotoGP to Brazil after a 37-year absence from the country.

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Local prisoners were enlisted to help remove floodwater from the racing circuit.