Lotrlibrary.com – Dorna Sports has confirmed that it will not increase the number of riders and teams in MotoGP. This fact makes it difficult for names such as Suzuki, BMW and Kawasaki to enter the motorcycle racing championship.
It is known that the three giant manufacturers have been rumored to be interested in joining MotoGP since the beginning of this season. In fact, specifically for BMW and Suzuki, the signs are already strong thanks to official statements from team leaders and Dorna representatives.
However, their desire to enter MotoGP will not go smoothly. Because, Dorna emphasized, it will still maintain the current quota, which is 11 teams and 22 riders.
“11 teams and 22 riders. That’s already been decided. In the end, the most important thing for us is the eleven teams,” said Dorna Sports Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta to Speedweek , quoted Tuesday (13/8).
“Whether (the 11 teams) are provided by five or six manufacturers, that is another matter. However, it is no secret, our priority at the moment is only five manufacturers,” he added.
That’s a sign that Suzuki or BMW can’t establish an independent team in MotoGP. They have no choice but to pull the existing team. Aprilia did that when they chose to join Gresini.
The advantage of a Factory-Independent partnership is that the new manufacturer gains immediate access to a fully functioning MotoGP team, rather than having to build a racing team from scratch.
“That doesn’t mean that we want to prevent a sixth manufacturer from coming in – but it means that another manufacturer will have to work with one of the existing 11 teams,” Ezpeleta said.
In the 2022 season, MotoGP actually has 24 riders. However, Suzuki’s exit has reduced the quota to only 22 riders. Dorna sees that the current number feels more ideal.