The MotoGP has officially wrapped up its first season under the watchful eye of Liberty Media, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. With clear indicators of growth and a robust vision for the future, the sport is poised for a transformation. Following the American group’s acquisition of an 84% stake in Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta remains at the helm as CEO, while his son Carlos has stepped into a pivotal role as the sporting director. In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Carlos Ezpeleta revealed some exhilarating statistics about the sport’s burgeoning fanbase, boasting a remarkable 12% increase. “We are very pleased with the growth trend, which is the result of years of hard work. The metrics confirm that we are heading in the right direction,” he stated emphatically.
This surge in interest is heralded as “the dawn of a new era for MotoGP,” characterized by substantial investments in branding and product development. However, amidst this ambitious outlook, Ezpeleta cautions fans and stakeholders alike to temper their expectations, especially when compared to the glittering allure of Formula 1. “We are two very different animals. F1 is a unique case in the history of sports and should not be replicated. However, MotoGP is already at a very high level and boasts a global fanbase of 600 million,” he pointed out, emphasizing the vast potential for commercial growth.
As the MotoGP gears up for its future under Liberty Media’s management, Ezpeleta reassured everyone involved that transparency has been a cornerstone of their approach. “We have been very honest from the beginning about what would come first and what would take more time. Liberty is extremely pleased with what they have acquired,” he affirmed. Negotiations for a new agreement with the teams are also nearing completion, with Ezpeleta expressing optimism: “We are in the final stages. I think we are aligned.”
A crucial topic in this ongoing evolution is the need for increased investment in marketing and visibility. Ezpeleta stressed the astronomical value that manufacturers derive from their involvement in MotoGP, emphasizing, “They continue to apply the principle of ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday.’ What happens is that resources are primarily concentrated on racing. If more was invested to attract new fans, everyone would benefit. You can’t invest the same amount and expect greater returns.”
The appetite for MotoGP from investors remains insatiable, with Ezpeleta noting, “We receive calls every week from funds and individuals interested in investing in MotoGP.” The same enthusiasm is mirrored in the demand for circuits, particularly from regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and South America. “This will inevitably force us to make decisions regarding Europe,” he concluded, hinting at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for MotoGP in this dynamic era.
