Gomes, who won 200 metres T11 gold at London 2012 as well as bronze over 100m, is one of more than 300 Para-athletes set to compete in the Grand Prix, which also acts as the test event for the Paralympic Games in September.

Held in Rio's newly-renovated Olympic Stadium, it will be one of the last major international events for many Para-athletes before the Games start.

The Grand Prix also provides a vital opportunity for Brazil’s track and field athletes, including Gomes, to make their marks ahead of the final decision on team selection for Rio 2016.

"I feel great and I am in a very good form," said Gomes, who also plans to take on the 400m this year.

"However, I need to prove that I’m in a great moment at the track, because I have to secure a spot in the national team and a ticket for the Paralympic Games."

The Grand Prix will also give Gomes - the 200m T11 gold medallist at last year’s IPC Athletics World Championships in Qatar’s capital Doha - the chance to compete alongside his new guide Jonas Alexandre for the first time.

"We need to correct our mistakes and adjust some things while we run; but it is a good chance for us to win the confidence we need and to show that we have a really good chemistry," said the 30-year-old. 

"We hope to have a good performance during the test event, meet all our rivals and get to know the track at the Olympic Stadium, which is very important for me."

One of Gomes' main rivals is the 100m T11 world champion David Brown of the United States. 

The 23-year-old currently holds both the 100m and 200m T11 world records, and is arguably the favourite to win gold at Rio 2016.

Brown recently clocked an impressive time of 22.45sec when racing over 200m on home soil in April, just 0.04 seconds off his world record.

"He might be getting good times recently, but he is not invincible," added two-time Paralympian Gomes.

"He may be beaten, and I am working to do it."

Grand Prix action is due to begin tomorrow with the final day of competition scheduled for Saturday (May 21).