MotoGP's British Grand Prix at Silverstone is safe from the chopping block – for now, at least. The sport's chiefs have staved off concerns about the future of the iconic circuit, which has been a staple on the calendar for decades. But what does this mean for fans of two-wheeled motor racing in Britain? The reassurance comes as part of a massive shake-up to MotoGP's schedule, aimed at spreading its wings and taking on the world.
The catalyst for change is a landmark agreement with the five manufacturers, locking in commercial stability until 2031. This deal – likened to F1's Concorde Agreement – seals team participation and revenue distribution, paving the way for MotoGP's ambitious growth strategy. And what a growth spurt it is! Liberty Media's £4 billion acquisition of a majority stake last year has given the sport a boost, with plans to expand beyond its traditional European strongholds.
Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP's chief sporting officer, was adamant that Silverstone would remain on the calendar. He highlighted the global appeal of motorcycling, saying: "We're one of the few truly global sports with fans spread across the globe in staggering numbers." Ezpeleta acknowledged Europe's dominance – 14 of MotoGP's 22 races are currently held on the continent – but is keen to redress the balance. Next year, we can expect to see 13 European and nine overseas events, with a target of a 50-50 split within three years.
The expansion drive includes two new events in Buenos Aires and Adelaide next year, hailed as "massive achievements" for the organisation. Further markets under consideration include a second US event, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa – and more. It's clear: MotoGP is on the move, spreading its tentacles across the globe.
The new commercial agreement also introduces a fixed participation fee for teams, ditching the profit-sharing model in favour of a more stable structure. Ezpeleta hopes this will help drive team valuations upwards – from current levels of around $50 million to potentially billions in future years. As both MotoGP and F1 seek to conquer emerging markets, it's clear that the future is bright – but for Britain, at least, there's no need to worry about losing its beloved Grand Prix just yet.