One umbrella, two competing motorcycle racing series: Bridgepoint announced today that Dorna Sports, the organizers of the MotoGP World Championship, and Infront Sports & Media, the organizers of the World Superbike Championship, have reached an agreement to bring both their motorcycling racing interests under a single umbrella organization.
Thus MotoGP and World Superbike will be integrated within the Dorna Sports group, but will be managed as separate events with a view to enhancing the two distinct championships, according to Bridgepoint.
Bridgepoint says the objective of bringing the two together “is to allow both series to develop and enhance their championship personalities, retaining their leadership positions in the arena of world motorcycle road racing.”
World Superbike, Bridgepoint says, will continue with its focus on production-based racing, and MotoGP with its focus on prototype racing. At the same time, both championships will benefit from joint marketing and commercial strategies, the release states.
Alongside this re-organization, Infront has been appointed as marketing partner and global advisor to both championships.
“Under the new structure, the two leading motorcycle road racing events are now set for sustainable further growth and development,” said Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront Sports & Media. “A true win-win situation has been created. Both Dorna and Infront can now further strengthen and focus on their core competencies and, in addition, achieve leading positions in their specific area of expertise.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, agrees: “We’re very excited to have the two top motorcycle road racing series under one roof. We fully expect to develop and strengthen the distinct nature of both MotoGP and WorldSBK as separate properties and remain committed to working with teams and manufacturers, circuit owners, sponsors and broadcasters to give fans the best experience yet.”
Commenting on the re-organization, Bridgepoint said: “This is a logical and exciting development which should ensure that both these fantastic Championships continue to flourish.”
