The Goiania circuit, host of MotoGP’s Brazilian Grand Prix, is set for another closure as ongoing asphalt problems continue to plague the venue. Despite recent repair work following a troubled MotoGP weekend that saw flooding, a sinkhole, and asphalt breakage, fresh damage emerged during a recent stock car race—particularly at Turn 5.
An investigation had previously attributed the sinkhole to damage in an old sewage system exacerbated by heavy rain, while the track surface break-up was blamed on improperly cured asphalt. Although the circuit was closed for over a month to allow for repairs, new issues have surfaced, prompting local officials to schedule more thorough resurfacing in June.
Welington Peixoto, the state secretary for sports and leisure, explained, “The asphalt repair work lasts three days, but it is necessary to allow the asphalt time to cure. It was precisely this curing that did not take place correctly and caused the deterioration.”
Temporary fixes will be implemented to allow scheduled racing events before the track is closed for more extensive work. The repeated issues at Goiania have drawn scrutiny of the FIM’s homologation process, raising questions about the rigor of safety and quality checks for world championship circuits.
