MotoGP riders continue to work to create an association that represents them, like the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) in Formula 1. In recent days, Sylvain Guintoli’s name has been mentioned as a possible leader of this potential structure.
Aleix Espargaró emphasized the importance of having an organization to represent the riders: ‘For me, there is no reason. In all sports you have an athletes’ union and I think you need to have it. It’s not about why, it’s necessary. Team bosses, especially in Moto3 and Moto2, can break contracts whenever they want, and they have the IRTA, which stands for International Road Racing Teams Association, and nothing happens. So, for the riders, I think it’s good to have a riders’ union’.
Questioned about what such an organization could do to improve MotoGP, the Spaniard replied: ‘Several things, and also on the agenda, on several other things, on safety. I think it’s not good to start talking, it’s better to keep this a little private, make this happen, because at the moment we’ve only talked to Sylvain‘.
Regarding the choice of Guintoli to lead the association, Espargaró explained: ‘We brainstormed and several names came up. I don’t remember who came up with the idea of Sylvain, but I think Sylvain is a good candidate: he is a good guy, has good experience, speaks good English, knows the championship, still works for Michelin. So, I think he is good‘.
