Speaking to Spanish publication Marca, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta delved into a wide range of topics including Formula 1, MotoGP™ without Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez and the future of MotoGP™.
To most, the MotoGP™ of today – in terms of competition – is the best it has ever been. And in 2022, Ezpeleta is striving for it to be even better than it was in 2021, 2020 and so on.
“Let's hope so. That 2022 is better than 2021 and that 2021 was better than 2020. Any company in any sector tries to improve if it can. We have had a difficult time, we have passed some exams together with the FIM, the IRTA, the manufacturers, the journalists... Between all of us, we have managed to get through two difficult years.
“We do not believe that the mess is over and we are prepared for the same, but hopefully in 2022 and 2023 we can really get back to normal. Although we have learned a lot on many issues and during the pandemic we have seen things that can be improved in a normal year and that is what we are working on.”
MotoGP™ and F1, in more ways than one, are working as close as they ever have done. Both sports being as competitive and exciting as they are is a great thing for both parties, and it’s always thrilling when the title decider goes down to the final race. Marca asked Ezpeleta what his feelings are towards what happened at the end of the F1 season, and why it’s good for MotoGP™ that F1 had such a sensational year of racing.
“I would not like to have a MotoGP finish like the one in F1. I wish there were two riders fighting for the title in the last race, but the way the whole thing played out... Not for or against anything. It has been a fantastic Championship, fought throughout the year and, in the end, it has caused controversies that are not good. I like to have a Championship, if it can be, disputed until the end, but I don't like that after the end they create doubt, that the runner-up doesn't talk anymore. I certainly don't dream about it. As I did not dream, although everyone was very happy from the point of view of media impact, with the 2015 mess between Rossi and Marquez. I don't dream about those things,” said Ezpeleta.
“With F1 we have common interests; others divergent. We work together to improve the things that are common to us and the other, each one doing their best. I think the fact that F1 is doing well is good for us and the other way around, too.”
Head across to Marca.com to read Ezpeleta’s thoughts on Rossi’s retirement, the extra limelight Marc Marquez will now face, MotoGP™’s future and more.