The CEO for Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta, has demanded that competitors in the MotoGP Circuit get paid considerably less than what their contracts are owed. This follows after the novel coronavirus has infected more than two million worldwide. Acting as the 1st global pandemic in 100+ years, sporting associations have worked with their respective player unions to determine pay cuts that benefit both parties. These delegations are being held to guarantee the survival of their sport. Carmela Ezpeleta wants similar measures inducted into the MotoGP, ensuring that reserve funds will be significant enough to sustain the game throughout this pandemic.
It should be noted that nine races within the 2020 MotoGP Season have been either postponed or cancelled amidst the coronavirus pandemic. These cancellations have placed each of the ten teams into financial stress, with the possibility of some organizations going bankrupts without the assistance of drivers taking pay cuts. It’d save these respective teams millions of dollars for 2020. These funds are required after advertising contracts were terminated until the pandemic is resolved.
Dorna Sports implemented a specialized aid package for MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 Outfits. This aid package is worth €9.75 Million and will provide a small safety net until the summer. Afterwards, running these various outfits will require funds from investors and advertisers. Drivers like Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Vinales, Alex Rins, Tito Rabat, and Marc Marquez have been questioned on this situation. Most drivers have agreed that taking a pay cut throughout the pandemic is best for MotoGP’s survival. It means teams like Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki will move forward into the 2021-22 Season.
Lack of Work, Lack of Money.
An official statement was provided by Carmelo Ezpeleta when speaking with Onda Cero, a Spanish Radio Station. He mentioned that everyone would negotiate towards a lower price. This will include drivers that have already renewed their contracts and others that haven’t. Carmelo noted that all drivers with MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 understand that payment is provided exclusively when the sport is being played. Since motorcycle circuits worldwide are closed, these drivers aren’t technically working.