MotoGP Must Cut Costs Says Rights Holder Dorna

MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports has suggested the sport must target lower running costs from 2013 onwards.

For Dorna, the main aim is to reduce running costs while maintaining the competitive nature of the sport. For 2012, this includes 1,000cc bikes and an initial entry list of 21 runners – 12 factory-entered machines and nine in the new CRT category.

“We must immediately do two things,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, head of Dorna. “The first is to keep the grid is as compact as possible; this is not to say that there will be no differences, but to make sure that the CRT bikes are as close as possible to the factory bikes. Secondly, that factory bikes don’t technologically advance to performance levels that could be dangerous, with costs that can’t be assumed.

“The problem is not just how to reduce costs – it’s that if someone invests a significant amount, wins the championship and then leaves…it leaves you with nothing. We have three manufacturers – Ducati, Yamaha and Honda. I’m talking with them and I have ideas for making the championship more competitive.

“The basics of motorsport are the combination of entertainment and technology. In times of crisis, if we cut back on something it must be in technology, not the entertainment, which both television and circuits pay for. Again, I’m talking to the manufacturers and I think we will come to a conclusion in May as to how the championship will look from 2013.”

The upcoming 2012 MotoGP season begins in Qatar on 8 April.