After a long wait, MotoGP has landed in Brazil for the first time in 22 years, this time at the historic Autodromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna. It’s set to be a magical weekend, with the riders preparing to enjoy the festivities ahead of a 31-lap showdown this weekend. But before all of that, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and enjoy some of the best battles that Brazil has had to offer previously!
1999 – Abe vs Biaggi vs Roberts Jr.
Although not officially called the Brazilian GP, the 1999 Rio de Janeiro GP was an instant classic – resulting in a three-way scrap! The fight for victory went down to the wire, with Norick Abe holding onto the honours despite Max Biaggi’s bold outside move at the final corner. 0.161s separated the pair for victory, with Kenny Roberts Jr. finishing in third. The epic fight wasn’t the only headline as Alex Criville grabbed sixth, which was enough for the Honda rider to be crowned the 1999 World Champion!
2000 – Roberts Jr. crowned Champion in Brazil!
A World Champion crowned and a home podium? The 2000 Rio de Janeiro GP was the perfect combination for fans across the globe, with a rookie Valentino Rossi taking victory ahead of home hero Alex Barros. The Brazilian made headlines after a phenomenal ride, beating some big names – including Garry McCoy in third. Meanwhile, Kenny Roberts Jr. took sixth, which, like Criville the previous season, was enough for the American rider to become the World Champion!
2001 – a 500cc finale for the ages!
The Rio de Janeiro GP held the final spot on the 2001 calendar, marking the final race before the beginning of the four-stroke era. Although already crowned World Champion, Valentino Rossi showed no sign of slowing down, clinching victory following a dramatic final lap scrap. The #46 pipped Carlos Checa on the run to the line, with just 0.143s separating the pair at the chequered flag. Max Biaggi took third, while it was a strong ride for Alex Barros in fourth!
2002 – a new era begins
MotoGP four-stroke racing was born in 2002, with the Brazilian GP hosting a memorable moment as the first Championship was wrapped up in the new era. Valentino Rossi struck gold, beating Max Biaggi by less than two seconds following an intense race as Kenny Roberts Jr. completed the rostrum. Rossi’s 25 points proved to be enough to edge the Italian 106 points clear in the standings, and in turn made him the 2002 MotoGP World Champion!
2004 – the final trip to Rio
Until now, 2004 marked our last visit to beautiful Brazil, with the Rio de Janeiro GP hosting its final premier class race. It was a weekend full of surprises, with Makoto Tamada clinching his first MotoGP victory – backing up his pace from 2003. Tamada finished two seconds ahead of Max Biaggi as Nicky Hayden secured third, completing an all-Honda top three. It was a dramatic day, with both Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau crashing out in separate incidents.
And that’s not all! Brazil has played host to even more historic results, from Jorge Lorenzo's first Grand Prix win in the 125cc category to countless crowning moments. And let’s not forget our last visit to Goiânia, where MotoGP Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz took victory following a brave ride. Eddie Lawson claimed second, becoming the 1989 World Champion in the process! Brazil has produced drama in the past – will this year be any different?