A team led by former FIM safety official Franco Uncini confirmed that representatives from Dorna conducted an assessment of the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi to determine its suitability for a prospective MotoGP Abu Dhabi race evaluation. The visit marks another step in examining possible new venues for the sport, focusing on safety adaptations required for motorcycle racing.
Yas Marina became an iconic venue on the Formula 1 calendar by introducing twilight racing to the championship in 2009, and it has hosted numerous high-profile title deciders since. MotoGP’s interest in this location has existed for several years, with a previous review identifying challenges and possible improvements for motorcycle safety, particularly in tighter sections of the circuit. Efforts from the delegation aimed to address these challenges as part of the ongoing MotoGP Abu Dhabi race evaluation.
Background of Yas Marina’s Appeal
Set on an island in Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina distinguished itself as a premier racing destination when Formula 1 first brought its spectacle there. The track’s layout and reputation as a dramatic venue have made it an attractive prospect for major motorsport events, with its unique setting now under consideration for MotoGP.
Past Safety Concerns and Progress
The MotoGP evaluation at Yas Marina is not a recent development. Reflecting on an earlier inspection, Franco Uncini shared insights on the collaboration between the organizations involved:
“Years ago, we visited the Abu Dhabi circuit, because Dorna wanted to hold a GP there,”
Franco Uncini told GPOne.
During the earlier review, key figures including Carmelo Ezpeleta and members from the Safety Commission accompanied Uncini. The group identified a potential method to increase the safety standard on certain sections. At that time, the priorities of the car racing world, represented by the FIA, and the motorcycle racing authorities, the FIM, diverged significantly. Uncini worked to bridge this gap, but indicated that,
“the car world wasn’t ready to make certain concessions for motorcycles.”
The improved relationship between MotoGP and Formula 1, under the shared management of Liberty Media, may facilitate future changes, as Uncini remarked:
“Today, it’s easier to organise certain things because Formula 1 and MotoGP are owned by the same entity.”
– Franco Uncini, former FIM safety officer
Current Obstacles and Technical Factors
Despite new organizational overlaps, key homologation processes remain distinct for F1 and MotoGP, as the FIA and FIM enforce their own safety standards. Uncini outlined specific concerns regarding track safety for motorcycles:
He noted,
“Walls are a problem if there are no run-off areas,”
but suggested that adjustments might be plausible if the circuit design allows for new run-off zones. Straightaway barriers are less of a concern, yet areas that demand heightened safety would require significant modification for motorcycles. Uncini reflected on past negotiations, stating:
“We didn’t ask to build gravel traps everywhere, maybe one-third asphalt and two-thirds gravel. It wasn’t possible then, but why not now?”
– Franco Uncini, former FIM safety officer
Looking Forward: The Potential for MotoGP in Abu Dhabi
As talks continue, the actual feasibility of a MotoGP Abu Dhabi race at Yas Marina rests on resolving the outstanding safety requirements. Previous discussions faltered on the inflexibility of adapting the circuit, but changes in event management and evolving thinking around circuit design may create new opportunities. The global motorsport community is watching closely to see whether Abu Dhabi will emerge as MotoGP’s next major destination, following in the footsteps of its established presence in Formula 1.
