MotoGP Returns to Brazil: A Post-Lebaran Revival and What It Means for the 2026 Season
The MotoGP World Championship is gearing up for its second race of the 2026 season in Brazil, scheduled for March 20-23. This marks a significant return for the sport to Brazilian soil after a three-decade absence, with the last Grand Prix held at Interlagos in 1992. Fans in Indonesia, and globally, will be able to enjoy the race shortly after the Lebaran festivities.
Marquez’s Challenge and the Early Season Landscape
The Brazilian Grand Prix comes at a crucial time for reigning champion Marc Marquez. Following a challenging opening race in Thailand, where he faced penalties and tire issues, Marquez currently sits eighth in the championship standings. The break provides a vital opportunity for evaluation and preparation as he seeks to regain momentum.
The early season has seen a surprising lead from Pedro Acosta and Marco Bezzecchi, who will undoubtedly aim to maintain their advantage in Brazil. The competition promises to be fierce as teams head to Latin America to fine-tune their strategies.
A Historic Return: Brazil’s Place in MotoGP History
The return to Brazil is more than just another race on the calendar; it’s a revival of a passionate fanbase and a nod to MotoGP’s expanding global reach. The Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia will host the event, offering a recent challenge for riders and teams.
Due to time zone differences, the main race will be broadcast live in the early hours of Monday, March 23rd (WIB), for Indonesian viewers.
2026 MotoGP Calendar: A Look Ahead
The 2026 season is already shaping up to be a thrilling one, with a diverse range of circuits and locations. Here’s a snapshot of the confirmed schedule:
| Rd | Date | Grand Prix | Sirkuit | Lokasi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Maret | PT Grand Prix of Thailand | Chang International Circuit | Buriram, Thailand |
| 2 | 22 Maret | Estrella Galicia 0,0 Grand Prix of Brazil | Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna | Goiânia, Brasil |
| 3 | 29 Maret | Red Bull Grand Prix of the United States | Circuit of the Americas | Austin, AS |
| 4 | 12 April | Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar | Lusail International Circuit | Lusail, Qatar |
| 5 | 26 April | Estrella Galicia 0,0 Grand Prix of Spain | Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto | Jerez de la Frontera, Spanyol |
| 6 | 10 Mei | Michelin Grand Prix of France | Bugatti Circuit | Le Mans, Prancis |
| 7 | 17 Mei | Monster Energy Grand Prix of Catalunya | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya | Montmeló, Spanyol |
| 8 | 31 Mei | Brembo Grand Prix of Italy | Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello | Scarperia e San Piero, Italia |
| 9 | 7 Juni | Grand Prix of Hungary | Balaton Park Circuit | Balatonfőkajár, Hungaria |
| 10 | 21 Juni | Grand Prix of Czechia | Brno Circuit | Brno, Ceko |
| 11 | 28 Juni | Grand Prix of the Netherlands | TT Circuit Assen | Assen, Belanda |
| 12 | 12 Juli | Liqui Moly Grand Prix of Germany | Sachsenring | Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Jerman |
| 13 | 9 Agustus | Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Great Britain | Silverstone Circuit | Silverstone, Inggris |
| 14 | 30 Agustus | Grand Prix of Aragon | MotorLand Aragón | Alcañiz, Spanyol |
| 15 | 13 September | Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera | Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli | Misano Adriatico, Italia |
| 16 | 20 September | Grand Prix of Austria | Red Bull Ring | Spielberg, Austria |
| 17 | 4 Oktober | Motul Grand Prix of Japan | Mobility Resort Motegi | Motegi, Jepang |
| 18 | 11 Oktober | Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia | Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit | Mandalika, Indonesia |
| 19 | 25 Oktober | Grand Prix of Australia | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit | Phillip Island, Australia |
| 20 | 1 November | Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia | Petronas Sepang International Circuit | Sepang, Malaysia |
| 21 | 15 November | Repsol Grand Prix of Portugal | Algarve International Circuit | Portimão, Portugal |
| 22 | 22 November | Motul Grand Prix of Valencia | Circuit Ricardo Tormo | Valencia, Spanyol |
Detailed Schedule for the Brazilian Grand Prix (March 20-23, 2026)
- Jumat, 20 Maret 2026
- 19.00-19.45 WIB – Moto3 Free Practice 1
- 20.00-20.50 WIB – Moto2 Free Practice 1
- 21.05-22.05 WIB – MotoGP Free Practice 1
- 23.15-00.00 WIB – Moto3 Practice
- Sabtu, 21 Maret 2026
- 00.15-01.05 WIB – Moto2 Practice
- 01.20-02.35 WIB – MotoGP Practice
- 18.40-19.10 WIB – Moto3 Free Practice 2
- 19.25-19.55 WIB – Moto2 Free Practice 2
- 20.10-20.40 WIB – MotoGP Free Practice 2
- 20.50-21.05 WIB – MotoGP Qualifying 1
- 21.15-21.30 WIB – MotoGP Qualifying 2
- 22.45-23.00 WIB – Moto3 Qualifying 1
- 23.10-23.25 WIB – Moto3 Qualifying 2
- 23.40-23.55 WIB – Moto2 Qualifying 1
- Minggu, 22 Maret 2026
- 00.05-00.20 WIB – Moto2 Qualifying 2
- 01.00 WIB – MotoGP Sprint (15 lap)
- 20.40-20.50 WIB – MotoGP Warm Up
- 22.00 WIB – Moto3 Race (24 lap)
- 23.15 WIB – Moto2 Race (26 lap)
- Senin, 23 Maret 2026
- 01.00 WIB – MotoGP Grand Prix (31 lap)
(krs/ran)
