MotoGP Eyes Potential Street Circuits Amid F1‘s Success
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, has floated the idea of incorporating some of Formula 1‘s famed street circuits into the MotoGP calendar, following heightened interest in the sport after its takeover by Liberty Media.
Dorna CEO Open to Street Circuit Possibility
Ezpeleta’s comments come after attending the spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he praised the impressive spectacle created by Liberty Media. Speaking to Spanish broadcaster DAZN, he expressed enthusiasm for the potential of MotoGP to race in urban locations, similar to F1’s glamorous settings.
Safety as a Priority
When asked about this possibility, Ezpeleta emphasized that safety remains paramount. “We have no problem racing on street circuits; the only thing we need is run-off areas, and in Las Vegas, it’s difficult to have them,” he explained. While he acknowledged the challenges, he noted, “There are some F1 street layouts that we could use.”
Existing Urban Races
Ezpeleta pointed out that the Indonesian Grand Prix, hosted in Mandalika, is a partial street circuit, showcasing that MotoGP can adapt to urban environments. With the growing trend towards street circuits in F1—this year featuring six dedicated street venues—there could be significant opportunities for MotoGP to follow suit.
Current Circuit Landscape
The current MotoGP calendar includes five permanent F1 tracks: Losail, Austin, Barcelona, the Red Bull Ring, and Silverstone. There is potential for more collaboration, including a potential return to the Shanghai International Circuit, but that is not expected until at least 2027.
Future of MotoGP and F1 Collaboration
As fans of both series eagerly ponder a shared race weekend, Ezpeleta’s openness to the idea of MotoGP on street circuits adds an exciting dimension to the sport’s future. If both series can effectively navigate issues like safety and logistics, the motorsport landscape could witness a unique merging of F1’s urban spectacle and MotoGP’s thrilling action.