These riders were victorious when MotoGP inaugurated a circuit 

In just a few days, one of the 22 drivers on the grid of MotoGP will add his name to the list of winners of the Brazilian Grand Prix, whose inaugural edition is fast approaching. In the history of the sport, some have emerged as specialists in firsts. One name in particular comes up repeatedly when it comes to performing on unfamiliar ground: Marc Márquez.

The seven-time MotoGP world champion has already mastered new tracks, and the arrival of MotoGP at the Ayrton Senna circuit could well offer him another opportunity to make a big impact.

Since his debut in the premier class, Márquez has won the inaugural race held on a circuit four times. He thus opened the record books at the Circuit of the Americas (USA) in 2013, Termas de Río Hondo (Argentina) in 2014, the Buriram circuit (Thailand) in 2018, and Balaton Park (Hungary) in 2025. No other rider on the grid has yet achieved this feat.

Indeed, of the 22 riders expected for the 2025 season, only Marc Márquez has won at a MotoGP circuit's inaugural race. In the sport's recent history, Miguel Oliveira achieved similar feats with two victories: Portimão (Portugal) in 2020 and Mandalika (Indonesia) in 2022. Like him, Nicky Hayden shone on home soil in 2005 at the Laguna Seca (USA) debut.

 

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Since 2002, other drivers have distinguished themselves during the opening stages of circuits: Sete Gibernau inaugurated the record books at the Qatar GP, Valentino Rossi had triumphed in Shanghai and Indianapolis, while Casey Stoner had lifted the trophy in Aragón and Misano.

Marco Melandri secured victory in the inaugural race at Istanbul Park (Turkey). Jorge Lorenzo, meanwhile, claimed the first win at Silverstone (Great Britain). Finally, Andrea Iannone dominated the first race at Spielberg, and Marco Bezzecchi won the inaugural Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit.

Since 2002 and the start of the MotoGP era, thirteen new circuits have been added to the sport's tour. The Ayrton Senna circuit is therefore the fourteenth.

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