MotoGP warns shared F1 weekends would be ‘incredibly challenging’

Since Liberty Media became the owner of both Formula 1 and MotoGP, there has been regular speculation about closer cooperation between the two championships. The idea of organizing MotoGP and F1 races at the same circuit on the same weekend also comes up frequently. According to Ezpeleta, however, that is not a realistic scenario right now: “No, it's not something that we're currently working on.” The Spaniard immediately points to the practical challenges of an event on that scale: “If you look at the dynamics, one, it would be very, very challenging just from a logistical point of view.”

According to Ezpeleta, there is currently no circuit that could properly host both championships at the same time: “There's not a single circuit in the world that could actually take both pit boxes, capacity, everything,” he continues. The layout of circuits also poses an obstacle, the MotoGP executive says: “Just also from the track layout. So one, it would be incredibly challenging.”

He is referring to the huge differences between MotoGP bikes and Formula 1 cars and the types of circuits the machines require. Some corners and kerbs that work well for Formula 1 cars are less suitable for MotoGP bikes, and vice versa. At circuits like Barcelona and the Red Bull Ring, layouts were even adjusted in the past specifically for MotoGP after serious crashes. In addition, the two championships use different runoff areas: Formula 1 more often opts for asphalt runoffs, while MotoGP relies more on gravel traps to slow down crashed bikes.

Ezpeleta also sees little commercial benefit in a combined weekend. “It's not really easy to monetize over above you have. The seats are the seats that they are. You're not going to build more capacity.” Moreover, the audiences and price ranges of the two sports differ greatly: “There are very different sort of demographic and price points. So, right now, it's very difficult to imagine.”

Since Liberty Media took over MotoGP, there has been a strong focus on further growth outside Europe. The emphasis is mainly on the United States, new markets, and races around major cities. Recently, for example, Liberty Media confirmed that talks had been held about a possible MotoGP race on or around the Miami street circuit, where Formula 1 currently also races.

Ezpeleta is now considered one of the most important policymakers within MotoGP. The Spaniard started as an intern at Dorna in 2007 and in the years since has worked his way up to Chief Sporting Officer of the championship. In that role, he is involved with sporting regulations, circuits, the calendar, and the international development of MotoGP.