Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna

The Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia – Ayrton Senna stands as a prominent motorsport facility in Goiânia, the capital of Goiás state in Brazil. The circuit opened on July 28, 1974, and has served Brazilian motorsport for five decades. The track bears the name of Ayrton Senna, the legendary Formula 1 driver, though Senna never competed at this venue. The facility has evolved from a modern 1970s racing complex into a modernized international-standard circuit ready to host premier global racing events.

History and Development

Brazil's motorsport enthusiasm grew rapidly during the early 1970s, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi's international racing success. This excitement led to the circuit's construction. Architect Silas Varizzo and racing driver Marcos Veiga Jardim designed the track, with technical guidance from Fittipaldi himself. The location on Goiânia's southeastern outskirts was chosen to reduce noise impact on residents, though urban expansion later created conflicts between the track and nearby neighborhoods.

The circuit experienced significant decline after decades of operation. The facility fell into disrepair and faced demolition proposals in 2011. Governor Marconi Perillo and Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa authorized renovation works in August 2012, which saved the circuit. These upgrades transformed the aging facility into a modern venue. The circuit earned an FIA Grade 2 certification, upgraded from its previous Grade 4 status, allowing it to host major international competitions.

Technical Specifications

The main Mixed Grand Prix Circuit measures 3.835 kilometers (2.383 miles) in length. The track layout combines fast straights with technical corner sections and features 15 meters of elevation change. Sources report different turn counts for the main circuit, ranging from 11 to 15 turns, with most references citing 10 right-hand turns and 5 left-hand turns. The pole position sits on the left side of the track.

Alternative configurations offer flexibility for different racing series. The External Circuit spans 2.590 kilometers (1.609 miles) with 6 turns. The Short Circuit measures 1.910 kilometers (1.187 miles) and includes 8 turns. This variety allows the venue to accommodate multiple racing categories and event types.

Racing Events and Championships

The circuit hosted the Brazilian Motorcycle Grand Prix from 1987 to 1989, bringing the world's top motorcycle racers to Goiânia. The 1988 World Motorcycle Championship featured a memorable rivalry between Eddie Lawson and Kevin Schwantz. After 37 years, MotoGP will return to the circuit from 2026 to 2030, following an agreement between MotoGP, the Goiás government, and Brasil Motorsport. Several MotoGP riders performed demonstration laps at the facility in March 2025.

The venue regularly hosts major Brazilian racing series. Stock Car Pro Series has competed at Goiânia since 1979, with some interruptions, and returns in 2026. NASCAR Brasil Series raced there from 2020 to 2024 and continues in 2026. Copa Truck competed from 2017 to 2024 and returns in 2026. Porsche Cup Brasil held events from 2015 to 2018 and from 2020 to 2024, continuing in 2026. Past series include TCR South America, Formula 3 Brasil, F3 Sudamericana, Fórmula Truck, GT3 Brasil Championship, and Brasileiro de Marcas.

Facilities and Spectator Experience

The circuit accommodates between 40,000 and 100,000 spectators depending on the event configuration. The original design included a continuous spectator bank around the perimeter. Current facilities feature concrete pit garages with viewing terraces above, a prominent control tower, and a large covered grandstand. Recent renovations added new pit and paddock facilities, a refurbished grandstand, and a parking area with 10,000 spaces.

The venue functions beyond motorsport, hosting concerts and festivals. Visitors use a prepaid "Cartão de Consumo Cashless" system for purchases. Cell phone coverage exists throughout the facility, though network congestion can occur during major events. The ongoing modernization prepares the circuit for MotoGP's return and ensures it meets current international racing standards.