GoianiaShort

The circuit operates in three configurations. The Mixed Grand Prix Circuit, in use since 1974, measures 3.835 km and features 14 turns running clockwise. The External Circuit uses the outer loop at 2.590 km with 6 turns. The Short Circuit measures 1.910 km across 8 turns.

Corner names on the main layout include Curva Um (a wide multi-apex entry), Mergulho (a fast-paced sweeper), Miolo (a tight right-hander), Bico de Pato (its near-symmetrical opposite), Esse (a snaking combination), and Curva Zero (closing the loop). Average speed on the grand prix layout is approximately 85–86 mph (136–138 km/h). The starting straight feeds directly into Curva Um, and the entire layout runs clockwise.

Ground was broken in 1973 and the track opened on 28 July 1974 under the name Autódromo Internacional de Goiânia. After Senna's death at Imola in May 1994, the circuit was renamed in his honour — even though Senna himself never competed there. The tropical climate of Goiânia, which alternates between a dry season and a rainy season, creates varied atmospheric conditions that influence race outcomes.

The circuit hosted the Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix as part of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Championship from 1987 to 1989, in an era when the 500 cc class was the premier division. Eddie Lawson set a 500 cc lap record of 1:26.980 at the 1989 round, and the 250 cc record of 1:29.260 was set by Luca Cadalora, also in 1989.

After MotoGP left Brazil, Goiânia remained active primarily through Brazilian national championships. Stock Car Brasil has been a consistent fixture since 1979, with numerous gaps and returns reflecting the championship's own evolution. Fórmula Truck raced at Goiânia between 1996 and 2016 (with interruptions), Formula 3 Sudamericana between 1988 and 1997, and Brazilian Formula Three in 2014 and 2016–2017.

On 14 December 2024, MotoGP announced a new five-year agreement covering 2026 to 2030 between MotoGP, the government of Goiás, and Brasil Motorsport, returning the Brazilian Grand Prix to Goiânia. The track required resurfacing and infrastructure upgrades to meet current FIA/FIM grade requirements for premier-class motorcycle racing; work was ongoing as of early 2025. In March 2025, between the Argentine GP and Americas GP rounds, riders Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, Eric Granado, and Diogo Moreira conducted demonstration laps at the circuit during a promotional visit. The 2026 Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix was scheduled as the second round of the 2026 MotoGP season.

The 2026 calendar includes the Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix in March; Stock Car Pro Series, Stock Light, and Turismo Nacional BR in May; NASCAR Brasil Series, Copa Truck, and F4 Brazilian Championship in August; and Stock Car Pro Series Corrida Endurance, F4 Brazilian Championship, and Porsche Cup Brasil in October.

Former events include Formula 3 Sudamericana (1988–1993, 1995–1997), Brazilian Formula Three Championship (2014, 2016–2017), Fórmula Truck (1996–2005, 2007–2009, 2011–2016), GT3 Brasil Championship (2007), Brasileiro de Marcas (2014–2018), and TCR South America Touring Car Championship (2022).

As of 2026 the outright lap record on the Mixed Grand Prix Circuit (3.835 km) stands at 1:17.245, set by Christian Hahn in a Dallara F309 during the 2016 Formula 3 Brasil season. The prototype record is 1:17.880, held by Beto Ribeiro in a Metalmoro JLM AJR. The MotoGP record, set at the 2026 Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix, is 1:18.654 by Marco Bezzecchi on an Aprilia RS-GP26, with Moto2 and Moto3 class records also set at that event. The Stock Car Pro Series record on the grand prix layout is 1:23.494 by Felipe Fraga in a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, set during the first Goiânia round of the 2026 season.

On the External Circuit (2.590 km) the Stock Car Brasil record of 0:47.622 was set by Antonio Felix da Costa in a Chevrolet Cruze at the 2018 Corrida do Milhão.