In a major announcement providing crucial clarity on the championship’s future, MotoGP Sporting Director Carlos Ezpeleta has confirmed a firm commitment to a capped calendar and the full inclusion of its junior categories. The official stance is that MotoGP has “no vision” to expand its schedule beyond 22 races, simultaneously quashing rumors that the Moto2 and Moto3 classes might be cut from the demanding “fly-away” rounds.
This decision marks a significant win for team sustainability, rider well-being, and the overall structure of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing pyramid.
The 22-Race Cap: A Victory for Team Sustainability
Following the acquisition of MotoGP’s commercial rights holder Dorna by Liberty Media—the company that oversaw the expansion of the Formula 1 calendar—concerns about an ever-growing schedule had intensified. However, Ezpeleta’s confirmation offers welcome stability.
The commitment to a maximum 22-race calendar addresses several critical challenges faced by teams and personnel:
- Logistical Relief: A fixed maximum number of events provides crucial predictability for organizing the immense logistical operations required for a global championship, especially when incorporating the Sprint Races, which effectively double the number of competitive starts for the premier class.
- Personnel Burnout: A capped season helps mitigate the risk of burnout for the thousands of mechanics, engineers, and support staff who travel the world. This focus on sustainability is key to maintaining high standards of competition and team morale over a long season.
- Sponsor Value: While more races offer more exposure, a highly congested schedule can dilute the value of individual events. A stable, premium calendar of 22 races ensures sponsors receive maximum exposure and return on investment without over-saturation.
Ezpeleta’s statement aligns with the views of MotoGP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dan Rossomondo, who previously indicated that 22 races would be the series’ “top number.”
The Intrinsic Value of Moto2 and Moto3 at Every Round
Perhaps more reassuring for the future of the sport is the absolute commitment to maintaining a full presence for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes at every single event, including the expensive fly-away races outside of Europe.
Rumors had suggested that to cut costs and streamline logistics for the premier class, the junior categories might become a European-only series. Ezpeleta strongly refuted this, calling the rumors “completely unfounded”.
Here is why their permanent inclusion is vital for the MotoGP ecosystem:
- The Road to MotoGP is Global: Moto2 and Moto3 are not merely support series; they are recognized World Championships and form the essential ‘Road to MotoGP.’ Having them race globally exposes young talent from all five continents to every circuit on the calendar, preparing them for the demands of the premier class.
- Rider Development: The World Championship structure is a proven talent pipeline. Riders enter through Moto3 (250cc, single-cylinder) before progressing to Moto2 (765cc, three-cylinder) and then finally to the prototype MotoGP machines. Maintaining this structure at every round ensures a seamless, consistent development platform for the sport’s future stars.
- Fan Entertainment: Moto2 and especially Moto3 are famous for delivering some of the most frantic and exciting racing on the planet. Their close-action battles are an intrinsic part of the Grand Prix weekend, driving significant viewership and ticket sales, with many fans tuning in early on Sunday morning specifically for the junior class races.
While Dorna may be making changes to the paddock layout—moving Moto2 and Moto3 teams out of the main pitlane garages in some instances to improve facilities and give MotoGP more space—Ezpeleta assures that this will not diminish their visibility or their role as an “intrinsic part of the championship.”
In summary, by capping the calendar and securing the presence of the junior categories worldwide, MotoGP is prioritizing stability, sustainability, and the integrity of its talent pipeline as it moves into a new era under Liberty Media ownership.
Sources
- MotoGP.com (Official Source):
- Crash.net:
- Motorsport.com:
- BlackBook Motorsport (Context on Calendar):
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