It is a “problem” that has been known for a long time in the premier two-wheel category, MotoGP. Being of Spanish or Italian nationality, or even having origins from both nations, is a great advantage. And clearly, Dorna wants to address this issue of diversity, which is not satisfactory at present.
The question of diversity, raised by Liberty Media?
This is how Carmelo Ezpeleta spoke about the issue to our colleagues at Speedweek: “The best should be there, but it’s easier to be better if you’re Italian or Spanish. It should be like for the Olympic Games : three Americans go, and if you are the fourth American, you don’t go, even if you are better than those from other countries.”he says.
Is the solution there? Knowing that the goal of a premier category, in an admittedly utopian manner, is to have the best drivers in the world in its ranks, regardless of their nationality. And as some drivers suggest, the level is perhaps higher in Italy and Spain, due to the investments made in this sport by these two countries. Which thus have a pool of talent that other nations do not enjoy.
Furthermore, we must also see a possible correlation with the interest in motorbikes (of “Mr. Everyman”) in the countries concerned. Because it is obviously easier to find support, financial in particular, to push promotional formulas, in a country where two-wheelers are very popular.
It now remains to be seen whether the sports authorities will act in favour of this diversity, which is particularly desired in terms of global communication. With this idea of “quotas”, which could be implemented. At the risk of lowering the general level of the premier class or even losing audiences/spectators in the “strong” MotoGP countries… One thing is certain, this sudden awareness is not a coincidence, at a time when Liberty Media is taking power in this sport.
Article published on 09/18/2024 at 6:05 a.m.
