Heavy rains in Goiania have wreaked havoc on the highly anticipated start of the 2026 Brazilian Motorcycle Grand Prix, forcing a delay that has left fans and teams on the edge of their seats. Originally scheduled to kick off at 9 AM local time, the opening Moto3 practice session was postponed as relentless downpours, which began earlier in the week, returned with a vengeance on Friday morning.
As teams arrived at the circuit, they were greeted by a muddy track, especially at the entrance of the home straight where the pit lane access was particularly affected by the accumulation of dirt and water. Workers were seen frantically cleaning the circuit, using water trucks and pressure hoses to combat the slippery conditions just one hour before the session was supposed to begin.
Despite their efforts, the rain intensified, shifting from a light drizzle to a steady downpour, prompting championship promoters to announce a revised schedule. Moto3 was rescheduled to start at 10 AM, followed by Moto2 at 11 AM, both sessions extended by an additional ten minutes to accommodate the new layout of the track. The MotoGP FP1 is now slated for 12:05 PM, amidst hopes for improving conditions.
Under the vigilant watch of FIM MotoGP’s safety director, Tomé Alfonso, and the legendary Loris Capirossi, the decision was made to open the pit lane at 10 AM after confirming that the track was safe for wet conditions. The green light flashed for Moto3, allowing riders to take to the wet asphalt equipped with rain tires and adjusted setups. The first to brave the elements was Indonesia’s Veda Pratama from Honda Team Asia, soon followed by a flood of competitors eager to make their mark.
The Moto3 session unfolded without major incidents despite the challenging conditions. Spanish rider Brian Uriarte dominated the practice with a best time of 1:32.812, showcasing his skill in the wet while leading the entire session. The only mishap came just 34 seconds from the end when Eddie O’Shea experienced a minor slip in turn 2, making him the first rider to fall on this newly introduced track—though thankfully, he emerged unscathed.
As the action continues to unfold in Goiania, the stakes are higher than ever, and fans are left wondering how these unpredictable weather conditions will impact the performances of their favorite riders in the days to come. Keep an eye on this thrilling event as it progresses, because in the world of MotoGP, anything can happen.
