Let's talk MotoGP: The thorny question: are there too many Spaniards in Grand Prix racing?

This is one of the biggest talking points in the MotoGP paddock. The Liberty Media era, which has just begun, promises a whole host of major changes over the next few years. We've already discussed some of these in other articles. one of which you can find by clicking hereThe question of the day concerns the Spanish, over-represented on the World Cup grids.

 

Why it's a topic in MotoGP

 

The deliberately provocative title of this article is actually not so far removed from the private discussions currently taking place at the highest levels. Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of DORNA, clearly spoke of his desire to see greater diversity in the paddocks, even stating that some Spaniards "should not be in MotoGP". From then on, there is reason to ask questions.

 

 

For once, I won't be able to give you a definitive opinion. It seems surprisingly complex to me.. It's actually not that clear, and that's why, like in high school, I'm going to try to give you an essay with an argument, then a counter-argument.

 

A heresy…

 

At first glance, one might legitimately think that such a measure is sad, meaningless, pathetic, counterproductive, and all of these at the same time. Indeed, this is a perfect example of leveling down.. Yes, the Spanish are the strongest in MotoGP, it's a fact, it is undeniableThey are even stronger than ever, so to speak, and you only have to look at the promotion brackets to be convinced. The dominance is now overwhelming, in all three classes, and, even more impressive, each season offers us the opportunity to see the emergence of a new prodigy from the Iberian Peninsula.

This season, it was Maximo Quiles, Marc Marquez's protégé, who revealed himselfLast year it was José Antonio Rueda and Angel Piqueras. The year before that it was David Alonso; Colombian, yes, but born and trained in Spain. They're on top, so why not let sport decide after all?

Wanting to limit the presence of the best is contrary to sporting values, which aim to sublimate excellence. Our sport has been dominated by the Spanish for 20 years... so what? There was a time when the Finns outclassed everyone in rallying. The Americans are the best in basketball—and in quite a few other disciplines—and the former Soviet Union countries are the best in MMA. So, motorcycle racing is cultural for our Hispanic neighbors, just as other disciplines are for other nations. Add to that the fact that they have some of the best teams like Aspar currently., which forces things.

 

…which is still reflected

 

Well, now that we've said all that, we need to think further. After all, why does Carmelo Ezpeleta, also Spanish, say this? Isn't there something deeper to be discovered in his words? Wouldn't a man as intelligent as him be aware of the evidence cited in the first part of this article? Of course, DORNA thought of all this. Moreover, Ezpeleta said that Liberty Media had nothing to do with this position, which excludes any American influence in the matter.

I had already written articles about the Spanish domination in Grand Prix well before all these decisions.. There is indeed a problem, in my opinion. You see, the sports I mentioned before are becoming more and more international. The Finns haven't been the best in rallying for a long time, and while the Americans still dominate the most prestigious of basketball competitions, other nations are closing in. Formula 1 has managed to erase its strong English accent, and so on. MotoGP is one of the few sports that is closing. You know this if you've been following this column for long enough, but the next generation of Spanish people coming through, led by Pedro Acosta, Fermin Aldeguer and David Alonso, is even stronger than the previous one.

 

 

Not so long ago, this was tolerable, because the Italians were also very well represented. The boot is also the technical engine of the discipline, because all the best engineers speak the language of Dante. But since the VR46 Academy program was discontinued in the smaller categories, at the rider level, Italy has been absorbed by Spain. Of course, there are still quite a few in Moto3, for example... but in very sad positionsLuca Lunetta, the first representative of his country, is 12th overall.

I like the idea of ​​wanting to harmonize training and give more opportunities to kids from different countries. Obviously, the international aspect of the MotoGP Red Bull Rookies Cup is no longer really relevant, since, again, the Spanish dominate. Yes, I understand that someone might want to see French, Italian, English, Asian people on our schedules.The diversity is magnificent, and even if the main talents are Spanish, I find it hard to believe that some young people from other countries are totally incapable of competing with equal training.

 

Should MotoGP change?

 

At first glance, it's a bit of a strange idea, because it seems contrary to the values ​​of sportOf course, we should prioritize talent, and talent alone. But if we think beyond that—which is not easy!—there are strong arguments in favor of diversification. Honestly, I don't see how a sport as global as MotoGP can, for example, have four Grand Prix in Spain. Personally, I would like to see change, but I struggle to form an opinion on the matter.

For this reason, I am very curious to have yours. Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport