Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, recently discussed several important topics with Manuel Pecino, including MotoE, the Superbike championship and the controversial Steward Panel with Freddie Spencer as figurehead since 2019, whose successor for 2025 was appointed in the person of Simon Crafar. At 78, Ezpeleta began by clarifying that he has no intention of resigning, even if Liberty Media obtains EU approval for its acquisition.
« Resignation? No way. I will continue for a few more years. It always depends on my age and health. But I feel good and the agreement with Liberty Media is that I will continue to be at the head of the management of the championship, » he declared on speedweek.
Concerning Superbike, Manuel Pecino raised the question of possible antitrust implications, suggesting that ownership of the two biggest motorsport championships could force Dorna à sell the Superbike championship. However, Ezpeleta remains confident that this will not be necessary. “ At the time, the European Union approved the acquisition of the second world championship,” he recalled, thus dispelling concerns about a possible forced sale of the category.
As regards the MotoE, Pecino directly asked whether the electric championship has a future. Ezpeleta replied confidently: “ we must continue like this because we are talking about a general movement in the world from which we cannot be absent. We believe it is necessary to continue on this path, because mobility around the world is guaranteed by electric motors. At the same time, we work together with producers on the topic of sustainable fuel. Brief, we keep both doors open and I think that, fortunately, there is still plenty of time to use the internal combustion engine"
Carmelo Ezpeleta: “ the three commissioners are permanent, this guarantees consistency »
Finally, the discussion touched on the sensitive subject of Steward Panel, often criticized for his controversial decisions under the leadership of Freddie spencer. Ezpeleta explained his position: “ after the mess with Valentino and Marquez at Sepang in 2015, I decided to stay out of it and let the FIM judge such situations with the IRTA. The three commissioners are permanent, we think that it is better that it is always the same people who judge the facts because this guarantees consistency. There are two stewards appointed by the FIM and one appointed by the IRTA, who is a former driver. What I can say is that at the end of each year we meet, discuss and see how things are going"
Ce MotoGP Stewards Panel, responsible for imposing sanctions in all categories of the Motorcycle World Championship, will see a notable change from next year. Freddie spencer, who has served as chairman of the Stewards Committee since 2019, will step down at the end of the 2024 season. Simon Crafar, former rider and journalist for Motogp.com, will take his place. Freddie Spencer, a motorcycling legend, marked his tenure with significant contributions to establishing procedures and selecting key committee members, ensuring fairness and safety in the sport. Spencer said : " it was a pleasure to have been the first chairman of the panel and for working to establish the incredible people and procedures we have today. When I was asked to be president, I accepted because I wanted to contribute to the sport and I am proud of my mandate. »
The arrival of Simon Crafar There are high expectations for this position. Known for his racing career and commentary experience, Crafar will bring a new perspective to the panel. He expressed his enthusiasm: “ I can't wait to take on this new challenge. JI did not take the decision lightly to make this change.t and accept this appointment, because it means leaving a role that I really enjoyed, but after seven years as a MotoGP commentator, I'm ready for something newu »
Crafar will work alongside current commissioners Andres Somolinos et Tamara Matko. He stressed that his approach will be based on his experience and his love for the sport: “ I feel honored to be entrusted with this responsibility and to have been appointed to this position »
The mandate of Freddie spencer was not without controversy. Several drivers and paddock personalities criticized the management of the former North American driver, particularly regarding the inconsistency in the application of sanctions. Johann zarco, one of the most vocal critics, said after an incident at the Spanish Grand Prix: “ He looked at me like he didn't know what decision to make. I told him: 'The work you do, you do it wrong'. » Davide Brivio also expressed concern regarding the interpretation of the rules under Spencer, stating that certain rules should be applied strictly and consistently: “ I respect Spencer for what he did as a pilot, but his problem is that he doesn't listen to yous » Aleix Espargaro questioned the relevance of the experiment of Spencer, pointing out that he had not raced in MotoGP for a long time, which could affect his judgment: “ I have a lot of respect for Freddie Spencer, but when was the last time you rode in MotoGP? ».
The arrival of Simon Crafar at the head of the Stewards Panel therefore marks a new era for MotoGP, with the hope of greater fairness and better consistency in decisions. Crafar will bring his expertise and passion for the sport, with a view to improving the management of racing incidents and strengthening the confidence of drivers and teams.
As for Carmelo Ezpeleta he seems determined to continue leading Dorna with a clear vision for the future of MotoGP and Superbike, while skillfully navigating through the challenges posed by new technologies and internal controversies.
