Marc Marquez backs FIM track homologation after Brazil MotoGP issues

Reigning MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez has backed the FIM’s track homologation process in the wake of the issues that arose during the Brazilian Grand Prix.

MotoGP’s return to Brazil for the first time in 22 years was marred by numerous track issues at the Goiania circuit, including a sinkhole on the main straight on Saturday and the asphalt breaking apart at Turns 11/12 on Sunday.

The latter led to a sudden shortening of the race distance from 31 laps to 23.

A statement from race direction blamed the sinkhole on damage to an undetected old sewage system, while hot temperatures and the amount of track action on Sunday was given as the reason for the surface breaking apart.

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It has raised questions about the robustness of the FIM’s homologation process, not least with the track needing to be ready in a short space of time after it was announced as joining the calendar in December 2024.

But Ducati’s Marc Marquez has come out in support for the job done to run the Brazil weekend, noting that everyone should have “an open mind”.

“It was important, and we need to have an open mind,” he said on Thursday ahead of the US Grand Prix.

“I mean, when we arrive in a new circuit, and especially when it’s built in a very short time… it happened in Mandalika, the first year, the stones [asphalt coming up] on the straight.

“So, yeah, maybe the asphalt was a bit too fresh. But, in the end, we saved the weekend and the safety conditions were good.

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“Ok, that Turn 11/12 was [a problem] but it the same for everybody. So, you need to adapt.”

Marquez looking to be “more consistent during the race distance”

Marquez returns to COTA off the back of a difficult start to the 2026 season, which includes a DNF in Thailand due to a wheel failure and a fourth in Brazil as Aprilia looks to have the measure of Ducati at this stage.

Finishing four seconds off the win in Sunday’s race at Goiania after winning the sprint, Marquez says he is looking to find consistency on the GP26 over a race distance.

“I’m looking to find the feeling, to be more consistent on the lap times,” he said.

“This is the key. It’s true that, as we showed in the qualifying practice, we have the speed. But we need to find the way to be more consistent and to make the lap times in an easier way.

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“Every time we are closer and closer. In Thailand I was far.

“In Brazil I was a bit closer. Let’s see if in the next races, I don’t know if here or Jerez, but the target is that: be more consistent during the race distance.”

Marquez has won seven times at COTA in his MotoGP career and was close to an eighth last year before crashing out of the lead.

While acknowledging his past record at COTA, he still considers championship leader Marco Bezzecchi as the favourite to win this weekend.

“Of course, it’s a track that I love, but it’s a track that I haven’t won at in the last four years,” he added.

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“I need to understand the mistakes, the way to improve.

“Marco is coming with four victories in a row, showing great speed. He’s the favourite because he’s leading the championship.

“We will try to stop his performance, but it will be difficult because at the moment he is the fastest rider out there.”

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Marc Marquez backs FIM track homologation after Brazil MotoGP issues

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