The Future of MotoGP Under Liberty Media’s Ownership

MotoGP recently completed its inaugural season under the management of Liberty Media, the American conglomerate that acquired an 84% stake in Dorna Sports, the promoter responsible for the championship. While Carmelo Ezpeleta remains at the helm as CEO of the Spanish company, his son, Carlos Ezpeleta, who serves as the sporting director of MotoGP, has been stepping into a more prominent role as the sport transitions into this new era. In a recent discussion, Carlos shared insights on Liberty Media’s influence and the future trajectory of MotoGP.

Growth of the Fan Community

One of the most significant developments observed this year is the 12% growth in the fan community surrounding MotoGP. Carlos Ezpeleta expressed his satisfaction with this upward trend, attributing it to years of dedicated work. The analysis of various metrics and demographic data indicates that MotoGP is moving in a positive direction. "We are at the beginning of a new chapter for MotoGP, one focused on enhancing the brand and investing in the sport itself," he stated. This growth signals not just an increase in numbers but a deeper engagement with the sport, which is essential for its long-term success.

Challenges Ahead in MotoGP

When discussing the challenges that lie ahead, Carlos emphasized his reluctance to label them as "unfinished business." Instead, he sees them as opportunities for further development. The current state of MotoGP is already impressive, and both teams and riders have much to be proud of. However, the ambition to elevate the sport to even greater heights remains strong. Carlos pointed out that while MotoGP enjoys a solid foundation, there exists significant potential for business expansion, particularly in attracting new fans and increasing visibility. The championship has successfully engaged around 600 million fans globally, showcasing its broad appeal and the untapped opportunities that lie ahead.

Comparing MotoGP and Formula 1

The conversation also touched on the recent surge in popularity of Formula 1 and whether it skews expectations for MotoGP’s growth. Carlos Ezpeleta firmly believes that the two sports are fundamentally different entities. While there are some parallels in how the business operates, the scale of Formula 1 is unique, particularly in the U.S. market. He noted that managing expectations is crucial, as F1 has achieved a level of expansion that is unmatched by any other sport, including football, which generates billions in revenue.

Carlos highlighted the importance of understanding MotoGP’s distinct reality and its unique strengths. He noted that although both sports aim for growth, they must do so based on their own merits and characteristics, rather than trying to imitate the success of another.

Liberty Media’s Perspective

With Liberty Media’s arrival, many are curious about their impressions of MotoGP’s current state. Carlos suggested that Liberty’s executives have been kept well-informed about the championship’s operations. From the beginning, Dorna has maintained transparency regarding its challenges and opportunities. According to Carlos, Liberty Media is pleased with their investment and recognizes the potential within MotoGP.

Negotiations with Teams

As MotoGP looks to solidify its future, Carlos provided updates on negotiations with teams regarding a new agreement that would link them to the championship. He expressed optimism about these discussions, indicating that they are in the final stages and that both parties appear aligned in their goals.

Despite Dorna’s requests for teams to invest more in marketing and visibility, some teams have expressed concerns about the financial viability of such investments. Carlos countered this notion by stating that many independent teams are thriving in their business ventures. For manufacturers, the reputational benefits of participating in MotoGP can be significant. He reiterated the long-standing principle of "win on Sunday, sell on Monday," emphasizing that while resources have primarily been allocated to racing, a shift towards attracting new fans would ultimately benefit all stakeholders involved.

Continued Investor Interest

Interest in MotoGP from potential investors remains robust. Carlos described the level of interest as overwhelming, with new inquiries arriving weekly from individuals and investment funds eager to get involved in the championship. This sustained interest speaks volumes about the confidence and potential that investors see in MotoGP’s future.

Operational Structure and Future Changes

Dorna’s operations have traditionally been split between Madrid and Barcelona. While there are currently no plans for immediate changes, Carlos noted that the company is exploring ways to attract more talent globally. This exploration may lead to the establishment of additional offices, although significant relocations are not anticipated at this time.

Transition in Leadership Roles

The departure of Dan Rossomondo, who previously headed the commercial area, raised questions about the future direction of that role. Carlos acknowledged the close relationship they had with Dan and expressed understanding regarding his decision to prioritize family life. He praised Dan’s contributions during his tenure, particularly in attracting talent, and reaffirmed Dorna’s commitment to the vision he helped establish.

With Dan’s exit, Dorna now has an opportunity to reassess its commercial strategy. Carlos emphasized that while they are not rushing into any decisions, this transition allows for a thorough evaluation of the company’s marketing and communication strategies.

Interest in New Circuits

In addition to interest in team investments, there is also a growing demand for new circuits to host MotoGP races. Carlos revealed that while inquiries are less frequent than those for team investments, there is still a significant desire to partner with the MotoGP brand. The championship currently features 14 races in Europe and eight outside of it, and Carlos noted that there is considerable potential for expansion in regions like Asia, the Middle East, and South America. However, this growth will require careful decision-making, especially concerning the allocation of resources and race locations within Europe.

The Role of Carmelo Ezpeleta

Carmelo Ezpeleta, the long-time CEO of Dorna Sports, is approaching his 80th birthday. Carlos was asked about his father’s future involvement in the sport. He reassured that Carmelo remains highly engaged and continues to play a vital role in negotiations and relationships with manufacturers, governments, broadcasters, and major sponsors. While acknowledging that Carmelo’s pace may have changed, Carlos emphasized his father’s passion for the sport and the excitement he feels about this new chapter in MotoGP’s history.

Conclusion

The future of MotoGP looks promising under Liberty Media’s ownership, with a clear focus on growth, investment, and enhancing the fan experience. The insights shared by Carlos Ezpeleta shed light on the strategic direction the championship is taking, highlighting the unique strengths of MotoGP while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. As the sport continues to evolve, the commitment to maintaining its essence while embracing new opportunities will be crucial in ensuring its long-term success.