Carlos Ezpeleta explained it to the new boss Liberty Media: the greatness of MotoGP does not come without its price. This is a universe where the most technologically sophisticated machines compete, piloted by the 22 most talented pilots on the planet. Of course, orchestrating such a spectacle isn't cheap. Although the sums involved do not rival those of other motorsport disciplines, such as Formula 1, they remain substantial.
This also applies to satellite teams. Although they benefit from a slightly different economic model – without the need to develop the motorcycles themselves, with a smaller workforce and without hiring the most expensive riders – they still have to spend several million euros to complete a season.
Carlos Ezpeleta: “ our independent teams manage to operate with a budget of around 15 million euros per an »
Carlos Ezpeleta, sports director at Dorna, addressed this subject during a meeting with investors, following the acquisition of the series by Liberty Medium : " our role was to establish a rigorously controlled financial framework. Thanks to this, our independent teams manage to operate with a budget of around 15 million euros per year ».
« For our part, Dorna, in collaboration with IRTA – the teams association – covers half of this amount, via fixed payments and event-related bonuses, the latter being predetermined and invariable. In other words, we contribute 50% of their operational expenses “, he explained. The ecosystem of MotoGP therefore depends a lot on a Dorna which fully supported its categories during the health crisis. Liberty Media knows what to expect from this point of view...
