As commercial negotiations between MotoGP and manufacturers drag on, championship CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta remains optimistic. Speaking at the Catalan GP presentation in Barcelona’s UNESCO-listed Sant Pau Hospital, the series boss revealed factories already have 2027 prototypes built and riders signed – suggesting deals will eventually fall into place.
A championship undergoing transformation
Ezpeleta pointed to MotoGP’s growing appeal following Liberty Media’s acquisition: “The partnership has been revolutionary for our organization,” said the Dorna Sports successor’s CEO. “We’re transforming internally, even if it’s not yet visible externally.”
The longtime championship promoter since 1992 highlighted unprecedented interest from both investors and potential host cities: “The demand exists to easily schedule 27 races if we wanted to.”
The thorny commercial rights battle
Behind this rosy picture lies a stubborn stalemate – negotiations with manufacturers for the 2027-2031 cycle remain unresolved after nearly a year. Tensions peaked at the Spanish GP when factory representatives snubbed an official dinner with Liberty Media.
Facing deadlock, MotoGP shifted tactics: “We’re now negotiating individually with each manufacturer,” Ezpeleta explained, believing this approach will yield faster consensus.
MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta at the Catalan Grand Prix presentation in Barcelona.
Factories already committed for 2027
Despite tensions, Ezpeleta remains confident: “I don’t appreciate those who refuse contract discussions. We negotiate to honor agreements – and we will reach a deal, that’s certain.”
His confidence stems from concrete manufacturer commitments: “They’ve already built the bikes and signed their riders,” he revealed, underscoring factories’ vested interest in the championship’s future.
Uncertain 2027 calendar
When pressed about the 2027 season opener, Ezpeleta remained coy: “We don’t know the first Grand Prix location yet. We’ll announce when confirmed.” His enigmatic smile hinted at potential calendar surprises.
The CEO also declined to confirm whether the French GP serves as a rumored deadline for new contracts: “There are no set timelines,” he stated.
MotoGP’s evolving future
Beyond commercial disputes, Ezpeleta outlined a championship in flux:
- Growing appeal to investors and host cities
- The complex yet essential manufacturer relationship
- Potential calendar expansion
- Liberty Media’s strategic influence as new partner
While current negotiations reveal tensions inherent to motorsport, they also demonstrate MotoGP’s enduring vitality. The question remains how stakeholders will align interests to write the championship’s next chapter.
