MotoGP in Miami? Ezpeleta slows expectations: Safety takes priority

– MotoGP will make no compromises on safety for potential races on new tracks. This was made clear by Sporting Director Carlos Ezpeleta on the sidelines of the French Grand Prix over the weekend, after the Formula 1 circuit in Miami was brought up as a potential venue.

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Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang described the Miami International Autodrome last week as a “logical” location to expand MotoGP’s presence in the US market and bring the racing series closer to American fans.

However, the idea did not only generate enthusiasm. Critics point out that the temporary track around the Hard Rock Stadium was originally designed for car racing and has safety features that are particularly problematic from a motorcycle racing perspective. Especially the limited runoff areas and the proximity to track boundaries are considered potential risks for the riders.

MotoGP wants to strengthen Austin first

Ezpeleta then made it clear that while talks about Miami are ongoing, concrete plans are not imminent. At the same time, he emphasized that MotoGP’s safety standards are non-negotiable.

“I think what Derek said is that it is a logical step to consider Miami,” Ezpeleta explained in Le Mans. “Since the agreement with Liberty Media, probably everyone assumed we would look into it, because there are some Formula 1 tracks that could be considered, others not.”

Compliance with safety standards is particularly important. “There will never be compromises on safety aspects,” Ezpeleta stressed. “The FIM has made enormous progress in the safety of race tracks over the past decades, and this development will continue.”

Photo series: The contract durations of the current MotoGP tracks

The Spaniard also confirmed that while Miami is part of internal discussions, MotoGP currently has other priorities. “At the moment, we do not want to raise expectations that something will happen there soon,” said the Sporting Director.

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For now, the focus is on further developing MotoGP in the USA, especially the race in Austin. “We believe this event has great potential.” Therefore, Miami is currently more of a long-term possibility than a short-term project. “Of course, we are exploring new opportunities, but this is nothing immediate,” Ezpeleta clarified about the talks.

Ezpeleta: The situation is different in Adelaide

The discussion about Miami flares up only a few months after the announcement that the Australian Grand Prix will in future be held on a new street circuit in Adelaide. This means MotoGP is saying goodbye to Phillip Island as the venue for the Australian Grand Prix after many years.

Ezpeleta made it clear, however, that the project in Adelaide should not be understood as a general strategic shift of MotoGP towards street circuits. “There is currently a lot of talk about street circuits and about what we announced in Adelaide, which we are very excited and happy about,” said the Spaniard.

Adelaide is a special case with exceptional conditions. “This is a very special, individual solution that can be implemented in Adelaide – because of the space around the park and because of the willingness on site to create a fantastic track in the city center.”

MotoGP therefore does not see a fundamental trend towards city center races. “We do not see that in the near future half of the MotoGP calendar will be moved to new street circuits in city centers, maybe never. [Adelaide] is a very special solution for a specific city that we are very happy about, but we do not see it as a general goal for all venues.”

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