Interview: Reinaldo Almeida – “It makes me very happy to see Brazil becoming a reference”

Reinaldo Almeida, manager of the Honda Brazilian motocross team, is at the forefront of Brazil’s rapidly evolving motocross scene, which is gaining increasing recognition on the international stage. Recently attending the MXGP round in Spain to support rider Enzo Lopes, Almeida highlighted the challenges and learning opportunities presented by the European Grand Prix environment, particularly the tough, muddy track conditions that tested both riders and machinery. His involvement with Honda HRC has deepened, providing valuable access and collaboration that he hopes will open further doors for Brazilian riders in global competitions. Almeida praised the exceptional skill level witnessed in MXGP, noting the stark difference between the European circuit and the Brazilian championship. He emphasised the relentless pace and resilience of top riders, who continuously push boundaries even after errors, making the competition thrilling to observe. He also expressed enthusiasm for the EMX classes, which run alongside the main events and serve as a crucial platform for nurturing young talent, including Brazilian riders like Bernardo Tiburcio, who recently impressed in the EMX250 category. Reflecting on recent successes, Almeida celebrated the dominance of his team in the Brazilian championship last year, particularly with Stephen Rubini’s title wins across multiple classes. While Rubini’s move to the United States marked a significant transition, Almeida fully supported the rider’s ambitions and remains optimistic about future collaborations. Looking ahead, the team is bolstered by the presence of experienced rider Jeremy Van Horebeek and the return of Enzo Lopes for a full Brazilian series campaign, both of whom Almeida believes will drive the team’s continued success. The growth of Brazilian motocross has attracted notable international figures such as Glenn Coldenhoff, Fabio Santos, and Greg Aranda, signalling the country’s rising status within the sport. Almeida expressed pride and a sense of responsibility as Brazil increasingly becomes a reference point in motocross, emphasising the importance of sustained effort to maintain and build on this momentum. His vision is clear: to keep developing local talent while strengthening ties with global partners, ensuring Brazil’s place on the world motocross map continues to expand.