Le MotoGP would obviously not be what it is without Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has been in the paddock since 1991 (see the full story here), and while Liberty Media is poised to take over, the Jerez circuit, also closely linked to the Dorna Sports boss, is paying him a fine tribute usually reserved for drivers.
It was in the official presence of the mayor of Jerez, María José García-Pelayo, as well as the tourism councilor, Carlos Arturo Bernal, the delegate of the government of the Junta, Mercedes Colombo, that the boss of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta, today unveiled the bust that the Jerez-Ángel Nieto circuit erected to him at turn 7 of the track.
Maria Jose Garcia-Pelayo : "Jerez owes you a lot, that's why we pay you this small tribute for all your merit. The number 7 is the number of perfection and you have made it possible, with your perfect work, to make this Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto the most perfect and the best in the world. Carmelo Ezpeleta is the protagonist of this event and of the history of the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto. A circuit that is celebrating its 40th anniversary and what better way to celebrate this 40th anniversary than to pay tribute to a person who was a motorcycle racer but who, above all, has driven the life of this circuit for all these years. Forty years of history that have allowed the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto to be the most important circuit in the world and above all because the Spanish Grand Prix is the most appreciated by the fans. This valuation has been possible thanks to Carmelo Ezpeleta, his entire team, all the directors, but of course also thanks to the Junta de Andalucía for its support and to the Cirjesa team and the management of the entity throughout this history. He was always dedicated to this city. He was always very clear that Jerez should keep its Spanish Motorcycling GP. And he always looked for the best dates to organize it. In difficult times, Carmelo Ezpeleta helped us and allowed us not to lose and to keep the Spanish GP. He was and still is a person committed to Jerez, and not just to motorcycling. I am sure that the next generations, including your grandchildren, will be very proud of the great person that you are."
Carmelo Ezpeleta : “I never thought that a circuit like Jerez could have a corner named after me. I am delighted that it has. It is a great joy, added to which is the fact that the previous corner (6) is named after Dani Pedrosa. For me, who is getting older and has to say things as I think, Pedrosa is one of the best drivers in history. I am extremely happy to have this bust here. My grandchildren will share it. My son, who has the same name as me, will have a corner here. It is a great joy and I want to thank the City Council and the Junta de Andalucía for this gesture because I appreciate it very much.”
The Minister of Tourism clarified: "Jerez and MotoGP are a difficult to separate, indissoluble pair, and they will remain so for as long as we want them to be: the Junta, the City Council, and Dorna. It is a collective project in which we have a great captain in Carmelo Ezpeleta. MotoGP cannot be understood without Jerez, and we will make sure it remains so for a long time. Congratulations to Carmelo Ezpeleta for this bust and this curve; they are the result of your work, your commitment, and your vision."
Photo credit: Circuito de Jerez
MotoGP Carmelo Ezpeleta Jerez
