Newly appointed MotoGP deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta has ruled out an immediate joint Grand Prix weekend with Formula 1, stating that commercial growth and market expansion remain the priority for motorcycling's premier series.
Speaking in Alcañiz on Thursday, Ezpeleta confirmed that any shared event with Formula 1 would only happen if it created significantly more commercial value than each championship delivers on its own.
Ezpeleta explained that holding a joint weekend is not an immediate priority for organizers. He said that if the two series ever combine forces, the overall value of the weekend must exceed what MotoGP and Formula 1 generate separately, rather than simply staging a joint event for its own sake.
Commercial Strategy and Marketing Expansion
The new deputy CEO, who has extensive experience in the organization and development of the motorcycling world championship, highlighted that MotoGP's primary focus is to improve how the series markets and sells its product. He said the goal is to bring the championship's media impact and marketing reach up to the level of Formula 1.
Ezpeleta emphasized that fans, alongside the riders, are placed at the centre of all strategic decisions. He noted strong fan interest in established European markets such as Spain, Italy and France, while stressing that MotoGP maintains global ambitions.
Pointing to this year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone as an example of progress, Ezpeleta noted that attendance and engagement grew compared to the previous season. He acknowledged that Silverstone represents a unique challenge as a market featuring five British riders, making it their largest event in the region.
According to Ezpeleta, MotoGP already possesses a vast global fan base that must be better exploited and monetised from a business perspective. He said the series aims to offer supporters an enhanced event experience and greater opportunities to interact with the sport.
Ezpeleta stressed that the sporting competition itself does not require fixing, describing on-track action in MotoGP as the best in the world. He added that further sporting enhancements are planned for next season, with organizers excited to see how they unfold on track.
MotoGP is the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, featuring elite riders competing on prototype machinery across a global calendar. Formula 1 represents the top category of single-seater auto racing, with both championships attracting millions of international viewers.
Liberty Media Influence and Paddock Mindset
Reflecting on recent years, Ezpeleta explained that the organization focused heavily on consolidating track safety, paddock security and the core sporting product. Now, MotoGP is bringing in experienced figures from successful roles in other sports and industries to complement the existing structure and elevate the championship into a global brand.
He noted that American media giant Liberty Media decided to back this direction out of deep respect for the sport and its established legacy. With the global media and content landscape evolving rapidly, Ezpeleta said MotoGP must stay at the forefront of change and foster a new mindset within the paddock regarding how the sport is presented.
Liberty Media acquired Formula 1 in 2017 and subsequently agreed a deal to acquire Dorna Sports, the long-time commercial rights holder of MotoGP, bringing both elite motorsport categories under a single corporate umbrella.
Status of the Qatar Grand Prix
Addressing the calendar for the current season, Ezpeleta confirmed that organizers are actively working and holding discussions with the Qatari government to determine whether the Qatar Grand Prix can take place in November. He acknowledged that other sporting events in the Middle East region have recently been confirmed.
Ezpeleta stated that the priority remains staging the race in Qatar, though organizers are evaluating whether a contingency plan is required. He added that a final decision on the event must be finalized before MotoGP embarks on its late-season Asian tour, citing sporting logistics as the primary reason for the timeline.
The town of Alcañiz, located in the Aragon region of Spain, hosts the MotorLand Aragón circuit, a regular venue on the MotoGP calendar. The upcoming Asian tour forms a critical late-season stretch for the championship, featuring consecutive rounds across Asia and Australasia.
