The MotoGP global transformation vision took center stage at the Gala RACC Motorsport 2025 as Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, outlined an ambitious pathway for the championship’s future. Ezpeleta’s remarks arrive during a surge in popularity and a rapid expansion of the sport’s commercial and entertainment reach, powered by recent developments with Liberty Media’s strategic involvement.
Ezpeleta Unveils Strategic Direction at Gala RACC Motorsport 2025
During the high-profile event, Carmelo Ezpeleta addressed a pivotal time for MotoGP, describing its evolution and the urgency to seize growing momentum. With record attendance at Grands Prix and only a handful of circuits seeing fewer visitors compared to 2024, he spoke of soaring TV ratings and flourishing social media buzz. Ezpeleta emphasized that Liberty Media’s entry as a major stakeholder signals a transformative period, as the American media giant seeks to shape the global future of motorcycle racing.
Liberty Media’s Major Stake and Vision for Expansion
Liberty Media, known for its influence in international sports, has secured an 84% share of MotoGP’s commercial rights—a move set to redefine the league’s landscape. Ezpeleta welcomed this transition enthusiastically, expressing trust in Liberty Media’s expertise.
“They bought an existing enterprise, and we are thrilled because we believe they have the capability to achieve greatness,”
Ezpeleta stated. He signaled that the primary challenge is evolving twofold: pushing MotoGP to new competitive and entertainment heights, while staying true to its deeply held traditions.
“Our challenge now is to transform the MotoGP World Championship into a thrilling competition for fans while evolving it into a global sport, a source of entertainment, all while safeguarding the core spirit of MotoGP.”
Maintaining Core Structure in the Face of Change
Ezpeleta asserted that expansion and innovation will not erase MotoGP’s core elements. As discussions circulate about Moto3 and Moto2’s place in the sport, he made the championship’s stance clear:
“We are not having that debate. We need to maintain three categories, and that will always be the case, as it’s how the system operates.”
He highlighted the importance of these feeder series in developing emerging riders and ensuring a vibrant pipeline to the premier class.
“There is a higher category: the Legends and the MotoGP Hall of Fame. That’s where our focus will be.”
This approach positions legendary figures like Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez as the pinnacle of achievement, reinforcing the prestige of the sport’s upper echelon.
Balancing Rivalries, Dominance, and Spectacle
Addressing persistent debates on competition levels and star-driven eras, Ezpeleta confronted critics who argue that recent seasons have lacked dramatic, close-fought battles.
“I don’t know, because this year has gone exceptionally well without a tight battle at the top. It’s not entirely accurate to say there was no leader when multiple riders claimed victories,”
he explained, offering context for the year’s unfolding narrative. However, he also acknowledged the undeniable draw of celebrated champions for the sport’s narrative and fan engagement:
“Having a leader is undoubtedly an asset for the World Championship.”
With past icons like Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi shaping the story, Ezpeleta’s perspective places individual brilliance and unpredictable competition as dual hallmarks of MotoGP’s appeal.
Charting MotoGP’s Future as a Global Sports Icon
Carmelo Ezpeleta’s statements set a confident and determined tone for what lies ahead: a financially robust and widely followed sport, launched further into the limelight by Liberty Media’s backing. Under his leadership, MotoGP is not content to rest on its legacy as a world-leading motorcycle championship. Instead, the sport is targeting global recognition at a new scale, promising to thrill audiences while keeping its soul intact. As the sport embraces unprecedented changes, riders, teams, fans, and stakeholders alike anticipate a new era that blends spectacle, tradition, and worldwide excitement.
