Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
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Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Explore New Territory in Brazil
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are full of motivation at the start of the Grand Prix of Brazil that is held this weekend at the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna, which makes its return to the MotoGP calendar after more than 36 years.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
Goiânia (Brazil), 18th March 2026
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are excited to start the next challenge: for the Grand Prix of Brazil they will be competing at a circuit that Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins are not yet familiar with. The teammates are keen to get to grips with the Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna as fast as possible during Round 2 of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.

As MotoGP returns to Brazil after a 21-year absence, Quartararo is excited to get to experience a new country, culture, and track. He is curious to see how quickly he can adapt to the Ayrton Senna circuit. He currently holds 16th position in the championship standings.

Rins is back in full work-mode. The Spaniard is in 17th place in the championship standings and eager to make some steps with the team during the back-to-back GPs in Brazil and the US. He aims to quickly find a good rhythm this Friday, as that is vital to having a good weekend.

The Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia hosted the Brazilian GP from 1987-1989 but underwent modernization ahead of its return to the MotoGP calendar in 2026. The circuit features a 3.84km layout (9 right corners, 5 left corners) that has been completely reconstructed and resurfaced, including new asphalt and fully upgraded safety features, to meet FIM and FIA international standards. As the Brazilian GP makes its long awaited return to Goiânia, none of the current MotoGP riders have race experience at the revamped track, setting the stage for an excitingly level playing field when the action gets underway.

The Grand Prix of Brazil is held in the GMT-3 time zone. FP1 will take place on Friday from 11:05-12:05 local track time and Practice will be held from 15:20-16:35. On Saturday, FP2 will be held from 10:10-10:40, and the qualifying sessions from 10:50-11:30, followed by the 15-lap Sprint that starts at 15:00. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 10:40-10:50 and the 31-lap Race starts at 15:00.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director
"The Brazilian Grand Prix marks the next step in our journey. We're eager to experience the unique atmosphere as MotoGP returns to this country for the first time since 2004 and revisits Goiânia's Ayrton Senna circuit for the first time since 1989. The opening round in Thailand underlined our mission: we aim to learn a lot about our new package lap by lap, and those insights will propel us forward. Riding with a – to us – still new bike at a new track will add an extra challenge this weekend. However, we are highly motivated. From a broader perspective, racing in Brazil is an exciting opportunity for us to engage with a large, passionate fan base. We're ready to get back to work!"
FABIO QUARTARARO
FABIO QUARTARARO
Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
"Heading to Brazil for MotoGP's first race here since 2004 feels really special, and I'm excited to discover everything this new track and country have to offer. The energy and the culture – I think it will give us an extra boost to continue our work. We're ready to samba and do our best!"
ÁLEX RINS
ÁLEX RINS
Rider, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP
"It's always a great feeling to meet a new crowd, and returning to Brazil for the first time in so many years makes this round very exciting for us: a new track and new fans. I'm looking forward to put in 100% effort again this weekend and enjoying the atmosphere in Brazil."