In addition to the action on track, a press conference was held this afternoon with representatives of each of the independent teams: from left to right, Lucio Cecchinello (LCR), Fausto Gresini (Aprilia), Paolo Campinoti (Pramac), Hervé Poncharal (Tech3), Raul romero (Avintia), Michael Bartholemy (Marc VDS), GeorgeMartinez (Aspar).
Each team signed a 5-year exclusivity contract. This means that their places on the grid will be assured until 2021. Likewise, each of them will benefit from aid of 2,2 million euros from the IRTA (for a rider and his two motorcycles). The cost of renting motorcycles from manufacturers has also been set at a maximum of 2.2 million euros for two motorcycles per season, including parts.
« We believe that a total of six manufacturers is sufficient, " said Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO Dorna) during this press conference. “ We renewed our partnership with IRTA for five more years in Assen. Lucio Cecchinello and his team will have the possibility of putting a 24th bike on the grid, so everyone will have two machines. With this financial contribution provided by the IRTA, the teams will be able to cover the cost of the motorcycles, which ensures a certain sustainability of the Championship.."
The objective is therefore to maintain a grid of 24 motorcycles, no more and no less. In 2017, 23 machines will form the MotoGP field. 24th place will be given to the LCR team which wishes, as far as possible, to field a second rider from 2018. Thus, if a new manufacturer like Kawasaki or BMW wishes to enter MotoGP, it should do so through the intermediary of a team already involved, like Aprilia with Gresini.
This will obviously not prevent some manufacturers from charging certain teams extra costs during the season (development, tests, etc.). Likewise, it is necessary to remember that this aid is not sufficient to cover a team's entire season. You also have to take into account staff, travel, hospitality and other ancillary costs. Thus, teams will continue to seek budget through other means (sponsors or drivers).
Photo credit : MotoGP.com
