Dorna Sports: Indonesia Becomes the Biggest Market for MotoGP

VIVA – CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta, revealed that Indonesia is like the United States (US) because it becomes the biggest market for MotoGP. He claimed to be imitating all the steps of F1 to become a global sporting event that has a fanbase in various countries of the world.

Furthermore, Carmelo Ezpeleta appreciated F1 for successfully penetrating the United States "Sports and Entertainment" market. MotoGP also wants to make a similar invasion of Uncle Sam's country, but Ezpeleta realizes that for participating manufacturers, Asian countries are still a priority.

"We will race in the country with the largest population in the world (India), and for us, Indonesia is like America. The United States is the biggest economy and it's important to increase interest there. Racing is significant, but the elements that go with it have an influence. F1 shows America that the United States is a strong pillar," Carmelo Ezpeleta stated.

Since the commercial rights were taken over by Liberty Media in early 2017, F1 has become a more global sport. Initially, this race was only in Europe, especially in the UK. However, currently, Formula One manages to hold races in 21 different countries.

MotoGP is also still stiff in interacting with fans due to the dismantling of social media content, the lack of free-to-air broadcasts, and the high cost of viewing packages on the official website.

However, at the 'Eventos, Quo Vadis' event in Pamplona, Ezpeleta met with F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali and claimed to have made every effort to emulate F1 to increase the attractiveness in MotoGP.

“Everything I see from Stefano, I can do. This is very significant,” Ezpeleta said, as quoted from the Marca.

One of the steps Dorna Sports has taken for F1 is the Sprint Race, but the difference is in numbers. This format will only be applied by F1 starting in 2021. Previously, there were only three sprint races per season. Then, now, there will be six sprint races in 2023. Besides that, MotoGP will also hold more fan meeting sessions, including a parade.

The CEO of Dorna Sports believes that these measures will increase attractiveness in MotoGP, although sprint races have been protested by riders because they increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

"This new program will help fans interact with the riders. We continue to work with all the teams. We have an idea about the concept of race week and we are shaping it. It is like a plate, where you put a lot of things together to create an event that can make the audience more interested." Ezpeleta concluded.