The 2026 Brazilian MotoGP Sprint race is set to start at 16:20 local time, one hour and 20 minutes later than originally planned, following repairs to a sinkhole on the main straight.
The round hole was discovered after MotoGP qualifying, causing the postponement of Moto3 and Moto2 qualifying while emergency repairs were undertaken on the waist-deep hole.
Disc cutters removed a large rectangle of asphalt (roughly 2m x 1m) before heavy machinery brought in gravel to fill the void.
The decision to go ahead with the Sprint was announced an hour before the scheduled 15:00 start time.
The initial revised start time was given as 15:20, then pushed back to 15:35 and finally to 16:20.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
VR46 – due to start on pole position with Fabio di Giannantonio – has asked its riders to check the repairs on their way to the grid and report any concerns.
Sinkhole repair, 2026 Brazilian MotoGP Sprint.
© Gold and Goose
Qualifying for both the Moto2 and Moto3 classes was due to be moved to the end of the Saturday schedule.
However, the extended delay meant there wouldn’t be enough daylight, and Moto2 qualifying has now been moved to Sunday morning, before MotoGP warm-up.
The sinkhole drama follows disruption to the Friday practice schedule caused by heavy rain.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Brazil is hosting its first MotoGP round since 2004, and Goiania it’s first grand prix since 1989.
“We should be able to have the MotoGP Sprint”
“Due to the heavy rains in the past days, there has been a depression in the track surface caused by soil movement,” Tome Alfonso, FIM MotoGP Safety Officer, said after the sinkhole was discovered.
“It is off the racing line, and we’re already repairing the problem. If everything goes well, we should be able to have the MotoGP Sprint today.”
Track repairs at the Brazilian MotoGP (Pic: Instagram @GuidoFenneman)
“An issue in the track surface has arisen”
An initial statement from MotoGP read:
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“Due to the heavy rain recently suffered in the region, an issue in the track surface has arisen on the Main Straight at the Autodromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna.
“The FIM and MotoGP, together with the local promoter, are working to solve this problem as soon as possible.
“Due to the time required to complete these repairs, when track activity resumes the next session live on track will be the MotoGP Tissot Sprint.
“Qualifying for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes have been postponed until further notice.
“More information will be provided at 14:00 local time.”
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter
