The MotoGP World Championship has seen significant growth in recent decades, changing drastically since Carmelo Ezpeleta took over as CEO of Dorna. It is in this context that Liberty Media will acquire the premier class of motorcycle racing, with the current management’s work being recognized – so much so that they will retain their positions.
Oscar Haro, former director of LCR Honda, acknowledged Ezpeleta’s merit… but also Valentino Rossi’s: ‘Carmelo Ezpeleta did an incredible job, but he was very lucky to find riders like Valentino Rossi. He always moves forward and always helps in the sporting aspect, especially in safety’.
The legendary Italian rider made his debut in motorcycle World Championships in 1996 and retired in 2021. His charisma and sporting achievements made him a phenomenon of popularity, moving legions of fans around the world.
Regarding Rossi’s approach, Haro commented: ‘Valentino and Carmelo did an incredible job. Valentino always thought very intelligently about the championship. Not only in his sporting career, but also in how to make it grow’.
Currently, MotoGP is dominated by Spanish and Italian riders, making them two of the countries where the championship is most popular. One of the challenges with Liberty Media will be to penetrate the American market, just as the company has successfully done with Formula 1 since acquiring it in 2017.
