MotoGP’s major manufacturers have banded together in a bid to reshape how revenue and championship entries are managed in the premier motorcycle racing series. Drawing inspiration from Formula 1’s iconic Concorde Agreement, this move marks a potential turning point for MotoGP’s business and competition structure. And with MotoGP now being majorly owned by Liberty Media, this might become a reality soon.
What’s Happening?
- Historic Unity: All five MotoGP constructors recently met at the Czech Grand Prix, signing a joint commitment for change and appointing Lin Jarvis (ex-Yamaha) as their collective spokesperson.
- Aims of the Group:
- More Revenue: They’re demanding a greater share of MotoGP’s commercial income, mirroring how F1 divides profits among its teams.
- Ownership Rights: They also seek legal ownership of their championship grid slots—or at minimum, stronger guarantees—rather than being entirely dependent on Dorna’s discretion.
Why a Concorde Agreement?
- The F1 Model: Formula 1’s Concorde Agreement dictates how commercial earnings are split, often awarding around 50% of profits to teams—with annual differences between finishing positions worth well over €10 million.
- MotoGP’s Current Model: At present, only satellite teams are paid fixed sums: about €2.5 million per leased bike, totaling €5 million per team, while the big factory teams receive no such baseline payment.
- Grid Slot Control: Legal ownership of grid slots is at stake. Current slots are leased by Dorna for five-year terms, expiring at the end of 2026; the manufacturers want lasting security and autonomy.
What Triggered This Push?
- Dorna’s Sale to Liberty Media: The push comes hot on the heels of Dorna’s €4.3 billion acquisition by Liberty Media (also owners of Formula 1), further magnifying the comparison between F1 and MotoGP business models.
- Team Valuations & Market Turbulence: With increased interest from investment groups and team valuations around €20 million, manufacturers argue that real ownership stakes matter if MotoGP is to remain competitive and attractive to investors.
What’s Next?
- Negotiations Await: Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta’s first response was reportedly cool, but talks are set to continue—likely at the Austrian Grand Prix. Both the factories and now satellite teams back the cause, making compromise more likely.
- Potential Turning Point: If a MotoGP “Concorde Agreement” is reached, expect a more transparent, performance-driven revenue system and a drastic shift in how teams operate and invest for the future.
Manufacturers’ push for a fairer financial stake and stronger grid slot rights reflects broader trends in global motorsport—parity, security, and long-term investment. As Liberty Media brings its F1 experience to bear, MotoGP’s competitive and commercial landscape could be headed for its biggest shake-up in decades.
