A Global Launch: Dorna’s Vision for MotoGP
Dorna’s sporting director, Carlos Ezpeleta, has announced that multiple cities worldwide are vying to host MotoGP’s season launch event following the successful inaugural presentation in Bangkok last Sunday. The event, which saw almost the entire MotoGP community in attendance, featured a grand parade through the streets of Bangkok, culminating in a festive gathering at One Bangkok Square. This ambitious initiative, aimed at enhancing MotoGP’s global presence, was more than a year in the making. The idea first emerged in 2023, but due to time constraints, the first edition was postponed to 2025. The event’s success has Dorna confident about making it an annual tradition, with Ezpeleta revealing that several cities are already expressing interest in hosting the next edition.
A Jewel in the Crown: Bangkok’s Success Story
The Bangkok season launch was a testament to Dorna’s commitment to innovation and fan engagement. The logistical challenges were significant, but the chosen venue, described by Ezpeleta as "a jewel," proved to be the perfect setting. The event kicked off at 10 AM with a photoshoot of the riders atop their bikes at the Marble Temple, followed by an afternoon of fan interactions and demo runs. Pre-recorded videos of injured riders Jorge Martin, Raul Fernandez, and Fabio Di Giannantonio ensured that no one was left out of the celebration. The riders, including Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, were effusive in their praise, with Bagnaia calling the event "spectacular." The success of the Bangkok launch has set a high bar for future editions, and Dorna is determined to maintain this level of enthusiasm and organization.
The Growth Trajectory: Dorna’s Strategic Shift
Dorna’s focus over the past three decades has been to elevate MotoGP to its current prestigious status. With this foundation firmly in place, the organization is now pivoting towards welcoming new fans and expanding its global footprint. Ezpeleta highlighted the 35% increase in ticket sales compared to the previous year, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity. The season launch event is a key component of this strategy, designed not only to generate excitement but also to bring the sport closer to fans in various cities. Ezpeleta emphasized that while every city would love to host a MotoGP race, the season launch serves as a valuable alternative, allowing fans to experience the thrill of MotoGP in their own backyards.
A Spectacular Debut: The Riders’ Perspective
The riders’ enthusiasm for the event was palpable. Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia both praised the organization and the overall experience, highlighting the event’s ability to foster a strong connection between the fans and the sport. Marco Bezzecchi echoed these sentiments, noting that the event was a pleasure and that the organizers made it easy for the riders. The combination of fan interactions, demo runs, and the grand parade created a unique and memorable experience for all involved. The riders’ positive feedback serves as a strong endorsement for the future of these launch events and reinforces Dorna’s vision of making MotoGP more accessible and engaging for fans around the world.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Buriram
Following the Bangkok event, the teams and riders flew to Buriram for the final pre-season test of the year. The Thai circuit will host two days of running on Wednesday and Thursday, providing the teams with crucial preparation time before the season kicks off in earnest on 28 February to 2 March. This transition from the festive launch to the serious business of pre-season testing underscores the dual nature of MotoGP—celebratory and competitive. The enthusiasm generated in Bangkok is expected to carry through to Buriram, setting the stage for an exciting and highly anticipated season ahead.
A Bright Future: Dorna’s Global Ambitions
The success of the Bangkok season launch has not only boosted Dorna’s confidence but also opened doors to new opportunities. Ezpeleta’s revelation that multiple cities are interested in hosting the event next year is a clear indication of MotoGP’s growing appeal. Dorna’s strategic shift towards global expansion and fan engagement is paying off, with the sport continuing to grow in popularity. The organization’s commitment to promoting MotoGP and bringing it closer to fans is evident in the meticulous planning and execution of events like the Bangkok launch. As Dorna looks to the future, the goal remains clear: to make MotoGP a truly global sport that resonates with fans everywhere.
