Photo credit: www.motorsport.com
MotoGP Season Launch Gains Global Interest Following Bangkok Event
Dorna Sports’ sporting director, Carlos Ezpeleta, has announced that several cities are vying to host the opening event for the MotoGP season next year after the success of the inaugural launch in Bangkok.
The event in Thailand’s capital was a resounding success, drawing nearly the entire MotoGP roster for the 2025 presentation. Riders participated in a grand parade through the city before heading to Buriram, where they will finalize their pre-season activities.
With a clear strategy to enhance its international footprint, Dorna had been planning the season launch for nearly a year. The goal is to establish this event as an annual kickoff for each MotoGP season.
While the initiative was first proposed in 2023, logistical challenges led Dorna to defer its debut, focusing entirely on the successful launch for 2025. The overwhelming response from participants and local audiences alike confirmed the event’s positive impact.
Discussions surrounding the event spanned several months, but it wasn’t until October of the previous year, during a visit from Dorna executives for the grand prix in Thailand, that the launch received the official go-ahead. Ezpeleta referred to the chosen location as “a jewel,” emphasizing the site’s potential.
Despite the logistical hurdles, Dorna’s accomplishment in executing the event has given them confidence in making the season launch a regular feature. “We already have other cities interested in hosting this event next year,” Ezpeleta told Motorsport.com.
“While many would like to see a MotoGP race in the city center, that’s unfortunately not feasible. This launch event serves to bridge that gap,” he added. He also noted the striking growth in ticket sales, with current figures up by 35% compared to last year at this time.
“Dorna has dedicated the last thirty years to elevating this sport. With a solid foundation now in place, we are prepared to welcome new fans. Initiatives like this event are crucial as we move forward,” Ezpeleta remarked.
The activities in Bangkok commenced around 10 AM with a photoshoot featuring the riders atop their MotoGP motorcycles at the Marble Temple. The afternoon segment attracted a vibrant crowd, culminating in thrilling demo runs by the riders that captivated onlookers.
Pre-recorded messages from Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, and Fabio Di Giannantonio also aired, compensating for their absence due to injuries sustained during a recent test in Sepang.
“Dorna’s commitment to promoting our sport is evident, and that’s why being in Bangkok was essential,” said Marc Marquez. His Ducati teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, described the event as “spectacular.” Marco Bezzecchi echoed this sentiment, stating, “We truly enjoyed ourselves; they made our participation seamless and enjoyable.”
Following the festivities in Bangkok, teams and riders traveled to Buriram on Monday for the final pre-season test of the year. The Thai circuit is set to host two days of testing before the official season begins from February 28 to March 2.
Source
www.motorsport.com