Carmelo Ezpeleta is optimistic that MotoGP will finalize an agreement with manufacturers for the 2027-2031 commercial cycle. Negotiations have been ongoing for nearly a year as key aspects of the championship's future remain undecided.
Key points
Carmelo Ezpeleta expresses confidence in reaching an agreement
Negotiations have been ongoing for nearly a year
Agreement pertains to the 2027-2031 commercial cycle
Key aspects of the championship's future are still undecided
Ezpeleta attended an event before the Catalan Grand Prix
Mentioned in this story
MotoGP Sports Entertainment GroupHospital de Sant PauCarmelo EzpeletaMiquel Samper
Catalan Grand Prix
Motorsport photo
Motorsport photo
Carmelo Ezpeleta says MotoGP is confident it will reach an agreement with manufacturers over the next commercial cycle from 2027 to 2031, despite negotiations dragging on for nearly a year.
Talks between the series promoter, now operating as MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, and manufacturers are still ongoing, with key aspects of the future structure of the championship yet to be finalised.
Ahead of this month's Catalan Grand Prix, Circuit de Barcelona's president Miquel Samper held an event at the historic Hospital de Sant Pau building. Among those present was Ezpeleta, who was the first director of the track.
As he does every year, he spoke with a small group of media representatives after the event to discuss the current state of MotoGP, which has changed significantly since last year.
Foto de familia de la presentación del GP de Catalunya en el Hospital de Sant Pau
Foto de familia de la presentación del GP de Catalunya en el Hospital de Sant Pau
Foto de familia de la presentación del GP de Catalunya en el Hospital de Sant Pau
"Yes, it has changed a lot," the executive admitted. "Since last year, the agreement with Liberty Media has been definitively approved, and the truth is that things have changed a lot for us. From the outside, it will become apparent more gradually, but the company is transforming, and the outlook is very good," he noted.
"There is tremendous interest in MotoGP, especially from many investors and people who want to be part of the teams. And also because of the 22 grand prix races we have – if we could do 27, we’d have cities interested in hosting them. The transition, as it should be, has gone very well, and we’re fully committed to making things better and better."
"I don’t like people who don’t discuss contracts"
Q&A
What is the timeline for the MotoGP agreement with manufacturers?
The agreement is expected to be finalized for the commercial cycle from 2027 to 2031.
Who is Carmelo Ezpeleta in relation to MotoGP?
Carmelo Ezpeleta is the promoter of MotoGP and the CEO of MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
Why are negotiations between MotoGP and manufacturers taking so long?
Negotiations have been prolonged due to key aspects of the future structure of the championship still needing to be finalized.
What event is Carmelo Ezpeleta attending related to MotoGP?
Carmelo Ezpeleta attended an event at the Hospital de Sant Pau ahead of the Catalan Grand Prix.
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However, the commercial agreement between the manufacturers and the MGP Group (Dorna) that is set to run from 2027 to 2031 remains unresolved after nearly a year of negotiations.
"Also regarding the agreement with the manufacturers, the proposal for the future is different from what we had before, and all those changes take time to negotiate," he said.
"I don’t like people who don’t discuss contracts, because if they don’t discuss it, it means they have no intention of fulfilling it. And we discuss contracts to fulfill them, but we will reach an agreement, for sure."
Although there are very strong indications that Dorna set the French GP as the deadline to begin signing agreements with the teams and manufacturers, Ezpeleta dismissed the idea of a fixed timeline.
"There are no deadlines," he insisted. "Next year in March the world championship will begin; all the manufacturers have already built the bikes and all have signed their riders," he said, making it clear that the manufacturers are bluffing.
"We need to give it time and let things fall into place; the situation is positive. We’re happy; the manufacturers and teams are vital parts of the championship, and everything we do will be for the better."
El presidente del RACC, Josep Mateu, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO de MGPEG, y Pol Espargaró, piloto de la cantera del Circuit de Catalunya
El presidente del RACC, Josep Mateu, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO de MGPEG, y Pol Espargaró, piloto de la cantera del Circuit de Catalunya
El presidente del RACC, Josep Mateu, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO de MGPEG, y Pol Espargaró, piloto de la cantera del Circuit de Catalunya
Asked by Motorsport.com if it was already known where the championship would start next year, and if it would still be in Thailand, Ezpeleta replied: "No, we don’t know yet. We’ll be able to say when it’s confirmed, but not yet."
The 'Fan Fest Festival' comes to MotoGP
For the first time in MotoGP, Barcelona will host a Fan Fest in the heart of the city – a move that may be linked to Liberty’s push to create more spectacle around the sport.
"Liberty doesn’t ask us; almost everything they say, we say too. But they have the experience of having done this in F1, and their expertise is very important. Unlike the previous owners, Liberty is a major company in the entertainment world, and their experience will certainly serve us well," he explained before adding: "Barcelona will be the first place to host the Fan Festival, an idea we’ll gradually roll out at other grand prix events."
Another recurring theme in Ezpeleta’s appearances at the presentation of the Catalan GP is whether there will continue to be four Spanish grands prix on the calendar.
"It will be difficult; in the future, it will be difficult. I am proud that Catalonia and Barcelona, which is my city, are the birthplace of MotoGP, of the world championship. We cannot hold more than 22 races due to agreements with teams, so having four in Spain will be very difficult," he said.
