- Dorna CEO Ezpeleta sees city circuits as a viable option
- Safety remains the top priority, according to Dorna
- Albert Park is considered a possible candidate for a MotoGP event
MotoGP could increasingly be held in cities in the future. The reason for this is repeated statements by Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has emphasized on several occasions that city circuits are certainly conceivable for the Motorcycle World Championship – provided that the necessary safety standards are met. At the same time, the activities of Liberty Media, majority owner of Dorna since 2025, are bringing new event concepts into sharper focus.
Liberty Media’s influence on strategic direction
Since acquiring 84 percent of Dorna’s shares in 2025, MotoGP has been moving closer to Formula 1 in many respects. While the 2026 calendar remains largely unchanged, with only one new Grand Prix in Brazil, new event formats are expected to be possible in the medium and long term. The Formula 1 weekend in Las Vegas, which is considered the flagship of the US group’s marketing strategy, served as an example to Ezpeleta of the developments that Liberty Media could bring about. According to Ezpeleta, the way in which the entire racing environment is presented there is particularly impressive.
City circuits as an option – under clear conditions
Ezpeleta has emphasized for years that safety is the top priority. Since Dorna became the promoter in 1992, much has been achieved in this area, and there is no desire to deviate from this. Nevertheless, he does not rule out city circuits. The decisive factor is sufficient run-off areas, which exist on some Formula 1 street circuits. Las Vegas is unsuitable for this, but other venues could be considered.
The Mandalika Circuit is cited as an example. Even though the circuit does not run on public roads, it is considered a track close to the city and shows that a city environment is fundamentally possible. Ezpeleta points out that they are always open to city circuits that offer sufficient space for safety zones.
Melbourne as a possible venue
Australia is often mentioned when it comes to possible alternatives for city races. The Grand Prix contract at Phillip Island expires at the end of 2026. Although the traditional circuit is very popular among drivers and fans, its inadequate infrastructure, limited capacity, and remote location are considered disadvantages. In addition, Liberty Media marketers are said to prefer an urban environment because it can offer more opportunities for sponsors and visitors.
The Albert Park Circuit in the heart of Melbourne is a Formula 1 street circuit that, thanks to its parkland setting, has more generous run-off areas than many other venues of this type. The circuit is repeatedly mentioned as a possible candidate should MotoGP need to relocate within Australia. At the same time, Avalon Motor Park is a potential alternative that is still in the planning stage.
Looking to Mexico and other possible scenarios
Efforts were already made in 2017 to hold a Grand Prix in Mexico City. The then safety inspector Franco Uncini visited the Formula 1 track Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but considered extensive modifications to be necessary. After that, the talks came to nothing. Nevertheless, this example shows that MotoGP is considering international options if the conditions are right.
Other Formula 1 city circuits, such as those in Madrid, Singapore, or Baku, are also theoretical possibilities, although the run-off areas are often insufficient. Ezpeleta deliberately does not mention any specific names, but indicates that several locations would be conceivable in principle.
Conclusion
MotoGP is at a turning point. While safety requirements remain high, new event concepts with an urban character could become more prominent in the future. Liberty Media brings experience from Formula 1, where city races have become increasingly important in recent years. Whether and when MotoGP will take a similar path ultimately depends on which tracks meet the necessary criteria.
