The world of premier motorsport is abuzz with intriguing crossovers, and recently, a fascinating debate has intensified: should MotoGP take inspiration from Formula 1’s dynamic embrace of street circuits? As Formula 1 has successfully expanded its global appeal with spectacular city-center races like those in Singapore, Monaco, Baku, and, most recently, Las Vegas, discussions are swirling within the MotoGP paddock about whether two-wheeled racing could profitably tread a similar path.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, the esteemed CEO of Dorna Sports—the commercial and regulatory force behind MotoGP—has recently ignited fresh perspectives on this topic. According to Ezpeleta, MotoGP could indeed borrow elements from F1 by exploring the world’s major urban landscapes. This wouldn’t just be a quest for visual and financial spectacle, but also a step toward thrilling new audiences and revitalizing the calendar in an era when motorsport is battling for the attention of younger fans.
For decades, MotoGP has largely favored purpose-built tracks known for their flowing layouts, such as Mugello, Phillip Island, and Sepang. These circuits prioritize safety and allow for the unmistakable artistry of motorcycle racing, with high speeds and rapid changes of direction. Yet, Formula 1’s recent surge in street venues has proven that city events hold unmatched commercial and promotional value. The task now is to see if this Formula 1 formula—pun intended—can be safely and successfully translated to the world of MotoGP.
The main argument for MotoGP appearing on street circuits revolves around spectacle and accessibility. City races place the action directly in front of huge populations, making it possible to attract tens of thousands of newcomers who might not travel to racetracks far from metropolitan areas. The urban backdrops, gleaming skyscrapers, and unforgettable nighttime vistas of F1’s street races have given the series a “cool factor” that traditional venues can't always supply. With the right planning and technology, MotoGP could leverage similar benefits—diverse local fanbases, increased media exposure, and the kind of sensational visuals that drive social media virality.
However, for MotoGP, technical and safety challenges loom much larger than for Formula 1. While an F1 car offers substantial protection with its monocoque, halo, and advanced crash structures, MotoGP athletes are exposed—their only shield being a leather suit and helmet. City circuits, with their narrow layouts, limited runoff areas, and unforgiving barriers, present a heightened level of danger for motorcyclists. Ezpeleta has acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that any MotoGP street event would require significant investments in safety, potentially including unique circuit designs and advanced protective barriers never before seen in motorcycle racing.
For F1 fans accustomed to the glitz of Singapore or the spectacle of Miami, the idea of MotoGP bikes thundering along boulevards between buildings is undeniably tantalizing. Imagine Marc Márquez or Francesco Bagnaia flicking through a chicane just meters away from a sea of city lights and roaring urban crowds! There’s certainly a marketing potential here, one that could cross-pollinate fans between Formula 1 and MotoGP, especially in regions hungry for high-octane live events.
Still, even if the technical hurdles can be overcome, purists within MotoGP’s ranks fear that street circuits might dilute the sport’s historic character. F1’s adoption of street venues has had its critics—some cite lack of overtaking or increased randomness—as well as its successes. For MotoGP, every new venue must be thoughtfully integrated, maintaining the delicate balance between spectacle and sporting integrity.
Ultimately, the future could see a blend of innovation and tradition. MotoGP has already started subtly adapting, as seen with the burgeoning popularity of night races and city-based fan zones around Grand Prix weekends. If the safest and most spectacular urban layouts can be developed, Formula 1 fans might soon find a reason to cheer as much for epic two-wheel duels among skyscrapers as they do for Verstappen’s last-lap charges. The next chapter in this evolving motorsport saga promises to be as sensational as the city streets themselves.
