MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta Considers Integrating Select Formula 1 Street Circuits, Emphasizing Rider Safety

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta has indicated an openness to the possibility of MotoGP utilizing specific street circuits currently featured on the Formula 1 calendar, a move that would represent a significant strategic shift for the premier motorcycle racing series. The declaration follows the recent acquisition of MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports by Liberty Media, the American media giant that also owns Formula 1, fostering widespread speculation about potential synergies between the two global motorsports championships.

Ezpeleta’s comments come amidst a transformative period for MotoGP, with the Liberty Media takeover signaling a new era of potential expansion and audience engagement, drawing parallels to the substantial growth Formula 1 experienced under the same ownership since 2017. The prospect of MotoGP venturing into urban environments, a hallmark of F1’s recent calendar expansion, has long been a topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders, even prior to the consolidation of ownership.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster DAZN after attending Formula 1’s highly promoted Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ezpeleta expressed admiration for Liberty Media’s approach to event spectacle. "In terms of spectacle, what they do is incredible," he remarked, acknowledging the elaborate presentation and fan experience cultivated by F1 in its city-based events. This observation underscores a potential blueprint for MotoGP’s future, where races could transcend traditional circuit venues to become larger-than-life entertainment spectacles in major metropolitan areas.

However, the CEO firmly anchored any such consideration to the paramount importance of rider safety. When queried about the feasibility of MotoGP staging races in the heart of major cities, akin to F1’s glamorous Las Vegas event, Ezpeleta affirmed his receptiveness to the concept, provided that stringent safety standards for the riders could be unequivocally met. "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, highlighting the critical distinction between car and motorcycle racing safety requirements. "But there are some F1 street layouts that we could use."

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The requirement for expansive run-off areas is a fundamental pillar of MotoGP safety protocols, designed to provide riders with adequate space to recover control or slow down safely in the event of a crash, significantly reducing the severity of impacts. Unlike Formula 1 cars, which offer a protective chassis and cockpit, motorcycle riders are exposed, making substantial run-off zones, often filled with gravel or fitted with air fences, indispensable. This commitment to rider well-being has been a cornerstone of Dorna’s management since taking charge of the championship in 1992. "For us, safety is the most important aspect. Since we took charge of the championship in 1992, that has been our commitment to the riders, and we will not relax on that," Ezpeleta reiterated, leaving no doubt about the non-negotiable nature of safety considerations.

The inherent differences in racing dynamics between two and four wheels present unique challenges for adapting circuits. While Formula 1 cars benefit from high-grip aerodynamics and robust crash structures, MotoGP bikes rely on rider skill, lean angles, and precise control at extreme speeds. A minor error on a motorcycle can have far more severe consequences, necessitating greater safety margins, particularly at high-speed corners where impact forces are highest. This makes circuits like Monaco, with its tight confines and close proximity to barriers, almost certainly unsuitable for MotoGP without radical modifications. However, other F1 street circuits, potentially those with wider sections or opportunities for temporary run-off installations, might be more adaptable.

Ezpeleta cited the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika as a precedent for MotoGP’s engagement with circuits featuring urban characteristics. "Theoretically, Mandalika is urban, and we race there," he stated. The Mandalika International Street Circuit, located on the island of Lombok, is unique in its design, being a permanent racing facility built with the intention of being integrated into a future urban development. While not a conventional city street circuit, its layout and proximity to public areas offer a glimpse into how MotoGP might operate within a less traditional, more accessible setting. The circuit incorporates a blend of fast sections and technical corners, offering a challenging yet picturesque backdrop for racing, albeit with the necessary permanent safety infrastructure in place.

Formula 1, particularly since Liberty Media’s acquisition in 2017, has aggressively pursued a strategy of integrating street circuits into its calendar. This shift aims to transform Grand Prix weekends into major cultural events, attracting new demographics and sponsors by bringing the sport directly to the heart of global cities. The current F1 calendar features a significant number of events in urban or semi-urban environments. This year alone, six bona fide street circuits – Melbourne, Jeddah, Baku, Monaco, Singapore, and Las Vegas – hosted races. Additionally, semi-urban circuits like Montreal and Miami, along with city races on permanent tracks such as Mexico City and Abu Dhabi, underscore F1’s urban expansion. The trend continues with the planned addition of Madrid to the calendar next year, further solidifying F1’s commitment to urban spectacle.

This strategy has demonstrably boosted F1’s global appeal, viewership, and commercial revenue, leading to sold-out events and a younger, more diverse fanbase. Liberty Media’s success in cultivating a "Super Bowl-style spectacle" around F1 races, particularly with events like Las Vegas, offers a compelling model for MotoGP. For MotoGP, which boasts a passionate but arguably more niche global following compared to F1, tapping into this urban strategy could unlock significant growth opportunities in terms of audience reach, sponsorship, and media exposure.

Beyond the immediate spectacle, the commercial implications for MotoGP are substantial. Street races often generate higher attendance figures due to their accessibility and novelty, attracting casual fans alongside dedicated enthusiasts. The potential for increased tourism revenue for host cities, coupled with enhanced global branding for MotoGP, could justify the significant investment required to adapt such venues. Moreover, the visual appeal of motorcycles racing against iconic city skylines would provide unparalleled marketing content, further elevating the sport’s profile.

Currently, MotoGP already shares several permanent circuits with Formula 1, demonstrating an existing operational overlap. These include the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom. These venues, designed to accommodate the high-speed demands of both championships, typically feature extensive run-off areas and robust safety measures. The list of shared venues could potentially expand in the future, with discussions ongoing regarding MotoGP’s return to the Shanghai International Circuit, though this is not anticipated before 2027.

The integration of street circuits, however, presents a different set of logistical and engineering challenges compared to shared permanent tracks. Transforming city streets into a world-class racing circuit, even temporarily, requires immense planning for track surfacing, barrier installation, spectator infrastructure, and, crucially for MotoGP, the creation of temporary run-off zones. This could involve complex engineering solutions, such as deploying bespoke modular safety barriers and air fences, and potentially even reconfiguring certain sections of a street layout to achieve the necessary safety clearances.

While the concept of a joint F1 and MotoGP race weekend remains an aspirational idea, the closer alignment under Liberty Media’s ownership naturally fuels such speculation. For now, Ezpeleta’s focus remains on exploring individual F1 street circuit layouts that might be adaptable for motorcycle racing, always with an unwavering commitment to rider safety. The cautious yet open stance from the Dorna CEO signals a progressive vision for MotoGP’s future, one that could see the roar of powerful motorcycles echoing through the urban canyons of the world’s most iconic cities, provided the formidable safety challenges can be overcome. This potential evolution represents a pivotal moment for MotoGP, poised to leverage the strategic insights and global reach of its new ownership to redefine its presence on the international sporting stage.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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