August 2023 – Augusto Fernandez, MotoGP race, Grand Prix of the Americas
Could it be possible for Formula 1 and MotoGP to be held together in a shared weekend? This idea, previously considered impossible, now seems more plausible with the imminent acquisition of Dorna by Liberty Media by the end of 2024.
On April 1, Liberty released a statement confirming their intention to acquire Dorna, the parent company of MotoGP and World SuperBikes, in a deal worth $4 billion. Their goal is to expand the global presence of MotoGP, entering new markets, attracting new fans, and adopting a more focused approach on digital media.
This strategy mirrors the one Liberty used to transform Formula 1 into a globally popular sport. Speculation within the motorsport community suggests that this acquisition could pave the way for a mega-event where both F1 and MotoGP races take place simultaneously at the same venue.
But is this a realistic possibility? Currently, the official position is that it is unlikely. Carlos Ezpeleta, Sporting Director of Dorna, downplayed the idea of a joint F1/MotoGP extravaganza in an interview with the Spanish MotoGP podcast of Motorsport.com. He stated that, “for obvious reasons,” it is not part of their immediate plans.
However, Ezpeleta did not completely rule out the concept for the medium-term future. He acknowledged that, although it presents challenges due to the distinct fan bases and sponsorship commitments of both series, it is not entirely dismissed as a potential project.
Therefore, while not in immediate plans, there is still a possibility. If such an extraordinary event were to materialize, the question arises: which circuit would be suitable to host this spectacle? Arguably, two circuits come to mind.
The first location is Silverstone, and there are several reasons why it would be suitable to host both F1 and MotoGP on the same weekend, in a tabloid format.
Firstly, the impressive size of Silverstone makes it a stunning option. The circuit, located in Northamptonshire, has a remarkable length of 3.666 miles and stretches across an aerodrome. It takes almost an hour to go around the perimeter.
Secondly, Silverstone has two pit-lane/paddock complexes. This means that the MotoGP paddock could be located on the old start/finish straight, while F1 could remain in the modern Wing complex.
Finally, it is well known that the presence of MotoGP at Silverstone needs a boost. In terms of attendance numbers, F1 surpasses the series year after year. In 2023, the British F1 GP had the second largest four-day attendance in series history, with 480,000 spectators. In comparison, MotoGP attracted 115,959 spectators to Silverstone in the same year.
If Liberty, the organizing body, wants to increase the popularity of MotoGP in the UK, a combined weekend with F1 could inspire four-wheel motorsport fans to also become interested in two-wheel racing.
Another potential location, more likely given Liberty’s goal of attracting the American audience, is the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This F1 venue is immensely popular and, like Silverstone, has a large area. It has also hosted MotoGP in the past, so it is familiar with the unique requirements of two-wheeled races. If Liberty wants to increase the popularity of MotoGP in the United States, sharing an event with F1 at this circuit, which played a significant role in popularizing four-wheel Grand Prix racing in the country, would be a wise choice.
However, as Ezpeleta mentioned, F1 consistently attracts sold-out crowds, and Circuit of the Americas is no exception, drawing over 400,000 spectators annually. Therefore, it is unlikely that there will be enough space for MotoGP and F1 fans to come together on the same weekend.
Setting aside the idea of a joint F1/MotoGP weekend, the future of Grand Prix motorcycle racing is intriguing. While traditionalists and guardians may hesitate about Liberty’s involvement in MotoGP, racing fans deserve to see their beloved sport recognized on the global stage, regardless of F1’s influence. This latest move by Liberty may help achieve exactly that.
© 2024
Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen achieved an impressive victory at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen, from the Red Bull Racing team, led the race from start to finish, surpassing Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who finished in second place. With this win, Verstappen became the leader of the world championship standings, overtaking Hamilton by four points.
The race in Monaco is known to be one of the most challenging on the Formula 1 calendar, due to its narrow and winding circuit. Verstappen showed skill and determination in controlling his car masterfully on the tight streets of the principality. He made no mistakes and maintained a comfortable lead over his competitors throughout the race.
Hamilton, on the other hand, had to settle for second place, but still showed a solid performance. The British driver struggled to keep up with Verstappen during the race, but couldn’t find an opportunity to overtake him. Nevertheless, Hamilton is confident that he still has a chance to win the world championship title this season.
Another highlight of the race was young driver Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, who finished in third place. Leclerc, who hails from Monaco, was eager to have a good performance in his home race, and managed to secure a spot on the podium. His impressive performance certainly pleased the local fans.
The next Formula 1 race will be the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which will take place next weekend. Verstappen and Hamilton are ready to continue their battle for the world title, and fans are eager to see who will come out on top this time. It will be an exciting and unpredictable race, as it always is in Formula 1.
