Brazil and MotoGP™: a rekindled relationship

MotoGP™ heads back to the South American country and Rio de Janeiro for the first time since 2004 in 2022

Makoto Tamada, Max Biaggi, Nicky Hayden: the 2004 MotoGP™ podium finish at the Rio Grand Prix. Brazil has been absent from the motorcycle Grand Prix calendar since the Japanese rider took his maiden victory but in 2022, the MotoGP™ paddock are set to make a long-awaited return to Rio de Janeiro.

Won by Wayne Gardner, the first Brazilian Grand Prix took place in Goiania in 1987 and remained there for the next two years, before the world-renowned Interlagos circuit hosted its first motorcycle Grand Prix in 1992 after a two-year absence. An all-American podium prevailed that day, Wayne Rainey beating John Kocinski and Doug Chandler, before Brazil then took a three-year break from the motorcycle Grand Prix scene.

In 1995, Brazil was back. This time though, the World Championship headed to Rio de Janeiro and the Nelson Pique Circuit. Italy’s Luca Cadalora was the maiden premier class winner in Rio but between 1995-2004, another one of Italy’s greats became the master. Valentino Rossi boasts the most wins in Brazil, winning there in 1997 (125cc), 1999 (250cc), 2000 (500cc), 2001 (500cc), 2002 (MotoGP™) and 2003 (MotoGP™), ‘The Doctor’ crashing out of the aforementioned 2004 race.

MotoGP™ Legend Mick Doohan, Olivier Jacque, Daijiro Kato and Manuel Poggiali are the other most successful riders in Rio with two victories apiece, while Honda is the manufacturer to beat in Brazil – 20 wins across all classes between 1987-2004.

In essence, Brazil and Rio de Janeiro have already staged some incredible chapters in the history of the sport. The development of Rio Motorpark – set to be completed in 2021 - makes for an exciting prospect for both MotoGP™, Brazil, Rio and its fans. You only have to look at how passionate the Brazil faithful are about F1 to see their love for motorsport.

Roll on Rio in 2022!

Watch every 2019 race LIVE & OnDemand and enjoy the whole motogp.com video library, including technical features, exclusive interviews and classic races, with the MotoGP™ VideoPass