Carmelo Ezpeleta gave his roadmap in four itineraries materializing the hope of experiencing, despite everything, a 2020 MotoGP season. The boss of Dorna had previously developed, with the paddock stakeholders, a limited-time activity backup plan. We must now wait for what the coronavirus will decide and how it will influence countries on their deconfinement procedure. The fact remains that the economic and social consequences are already being suffered by manufacturers who will review their investments. A fatality that Paolo Ciabatti confirms for Ducati…
In times of crisis and with the black clouds of austerity which will clutter a previously blue sky, the red-toned brand is reassessing its accounts. Paolo ciabatti, the sporting director thus updated his employer's position in an interview with Skysport: “ we have given our opinion to Dorna, we are reading what is happening in Formula 1, and the most optimistic and most probable hypothesis is to start in August in Austria. And if Formula 1 succeeds behind closed doors, MotoGP can do it too » begins the Italian.
« The objective is to compete in around ten races this year, below the minimum number provided for by the regulations, now exceeded due to the exceptional situation. The championship is valid even if the races are only 10 or 8. Dorna's goal is to understand as quickly as possible which countries will be able to host MotoGP races and, if the number is limited, perhaps even consider participate in two Grand Prix on the same circuit in two successive weekends. We will have to take all appropriate measures with masks, gloves, swabs and serological tests. We hope from August to September to start a championship in a reduced form which would still be valid »
Ciabatta also announces heavy cuts from the point of view of investments in MotoGP, starting with the salaries of riders: “ Ducati has been closed since mid-March, we do not produce motorcycles, the dealerships are closed and the employees are at home, so it is a difficult situation, as in the automobile sector where the results are worrying, not to say tragic. We will have to adjust investments in competition, according to turnover, starting even if I risk being unpopular, by intervening on the pilots' salaries. »
« I don't think the numbers we got used to when things were good will be available in the future because there will be a global economic crisis and we will all have to adapt. We are all suffering, which is why it is essential to start again even with a reduced championship. Carmelo Ezpeleta is doing everything possible and I am convinced that we will succeed. »
Ducati is therefore ready to massively review the salaries of its pilots: “ Right now everyone is being asked for sacrifices and we must keep in mind that the future economic situation will be difficult. It is clear that things will change, and although we have not yet approached the discussion with the drivers, common sense must be used. In the future things will have to be reviewed. » To the wise…
