Augusto Fernandez, MotoGP race, Grand Prix of the Americas, 16 April 2023
Could Formula 1 and MotoGP be hosted together on a shared weekend? This idea, previously considered far-fetched, now seems more plausible with Liberty Media’s impending acquisition of Dorna 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 objective is to expand MotoGP’s global presence by entering new markets, attracting new fans, and adopting a more digital media-focused approach.
This strategy mirrors the one employed by Liberty to transform Formula 1 into a widely popular global sport. Speculation within the motorsport community suggests that this acquisition may pave the way for a mega event where both F1 and MotoGP races take place concurrently at the same venue.
But is this a realistic possibility? Currently, the official stance is that it is unlikely. Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna’s Sporting Director, downplayed the idea of a joint F1/MotoGP extravaganza in an interview with Motorsport.com’s Spanish MotoGP podcast. 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 while it presents challenges due to the distinct fan bases and sponsorship commitments of both series, it is not entirely discarded as a potential project.
So, while it may not be in the 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 venue is Silverstone, and there are multiple reasons why it would be suitable for hosting both F1 and MotoGP on the same weekend in a tabloid format.
Firstly, Silverstone’s sheer size makes it an impressive option. The circuit, located in Northamptonshire, spans a remarkable 3.666 miles and is spread out over an airfield. It takes nearly an hour to walk around the perimeter.
Secondly, Silverstone has two pit-lane/paddock complexes. This means that the MotoGP paddock could be located at the old start-finish straight, while F1 could remain in the modern Wing complex.
Finally, it is well-known that MotoGP attendance at Silverstone needs a boost. In terms of audience numbers, F1 surpasses the series year after year. In 2023, the F1 British GP had the second-highest four-day attendance in the history of the series, 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 MotoGP’s popularity in Great Britain, a combined weekend with F1 could inspire four-wheeled motorsport fans to take an interest in two-wheeled racing as well.
Another potential venue, which is more likely given Liberty’s aim to target American audiences, is the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This F1 venue is immensely popular and, like Silverstone, has a large footprint. It has also hosted MotoGP in the past, so it is familiar with the unique requirements of two-wheeled racing. If Liberty wants to boost MotoGP’s popularity in the United States, sharing an event with F1 at this circuit, which played a significant role in popularizing four-wheeled Grand Prix racing in the country, would be a wise choice.
However, as Ezpeleta mentioned, F1 consistently attracts sellout crowds, and the Circuit of the Americas is no exception, drawing over 400,000 spectators annually. Therefore, it is unlikely that there would 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 gatekeepers may be hesitant about Liberty’s involvement in MotoGP, fans of motorcycle racing deserve to see their beloved sport recognized on the global stage, independent of F1’s influence. This latest move by Liberty could help achieve just that.