Goiânia is set to be confirmed as the start city for the Sertões Petrobras 2026, marking the 18th time the capital of Goiás hosts the rally’s departure across 34 editions. In that context, this week’s “TBT Sertões” looks back at the most recent reunion in 2025, when the event returned to the city after seven years.
In 2025, Goiânia once again welcomed the Americas’ largest rally with a strong public response. The Vila Sertões was installed at the Serra Dourada Stadium parking area and, as per tradition, opened free of charge to visitors, who were able to follow the teams’ work up close, see the machines prepared for the route to Marechal Deodoro (AL), and engage with sponsor and partner activations.
Among the scheduled activities, Goiás Turismo showcased the state while offering entertainment features such as simulators. The interior of Serra Dourada hosted official media commitments and competitor briefings, while the external area featured the ceremonial start ramp where drivers and navigators were introduced.
The 2025 programme extended beyond the Vila Sertões. Senador Canedo hosted the prologue, the first competitive action of the rally, with a 6 km circuit. Later, the fastest competitors across the three categories—Moto, Car and UTV—took part in the Super Prime, held on a track set up near the Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Center, providing full visibility for spectators and close head-to-head racing. Victories went to Bruno Crivilin (Moto), Deni do Nascimento / Gunnar Dums (UTV) and Marcos Baumgart / Kleber Cincea (Car). The following day, the field headed to Unaí (MG), the first of the rally’s eight scheduled stages.
Social and environmental initiatives were also highlighted during the 2025 visit. SAS Brasil, a partner organisation linked to the event, deployed its travelling medical structure across different specialties. A key action was the Ver Magia project, which provided prescription glasses to 116 children from the public-school network in Goiânia, Senador Canedo and Aparecida de Goiânia.
Another initiative involved children on the autism spectrum supported by the Pestalozzi Association of Goiânia, who experienced the rally environment through dedicated activities, including participation in the Arts Contest focused on sustainability themes.
On the environmental side, the rally reinforced waste-management measures, directing solid waste collected at Vila Sertões to recycling. Teams also received containers for collecting used lubricating oil along the route, later delivered to Lwart for re-refining and commercial reuse.
The rally’s relationship with Goiânia dates back to 1998. With the next chapter scheduled for August 2026, organisers expect the forthcoming start to further strengthen the bond between the city and the event.
Source: Sertões
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