For the close competition in the modern MotoGP field, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta gives special thanks to two major Japanese manufacturers
The enormous power density and the high number of different winners during the past MotoGP seasons has been a source of excitement for spectators. And in the executive suite of MotoGP promoters Dorna, too, they are rubbing their hands with glee at the excitement that the premier class on two wheels has been offering for years.
In the 2021 MotoGP season, riders from four manufacturers – Ducati, Honda, KTM, Yamaha – have won races. Suzuki and Aprilia have at least made it onto the podium, after Suzuki had provided the world champion in the previous season.
Apart from the targeted interventions, such as above all the standard electronics for all manufacturers introduced in 2016, and the fact that there has also been only one tyre manufacturer since 2016, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta sees the reason for the close competition above all in the concession rules. And for this he expresses his gratitude to two major Japanese manufacturers.
2011 to 2015 only Honda and Yamaha won, but then …
“We must not forget to thank Honda and Yamaha. They agreed to the system of ‘concessions’ at a time when they were winning everything. “
With this, Ezpeleta recalls the period from 2011 to 2015 in particular. In those five years, all Grands Prix were won by either Honda or Yamaha riders. In 2016, the concession system was introduced.
Since then, the system, which provides a series of concessions for previously less successful manufacturers, has proved its worth. “Ducati was the first manufacturer to benefit from it,” notes Ezpeleta. “I remember clearly the time when they lost [the concessions]. Next it was Suzuki and KTM’s turn. And now the bikes of all these manufacturers are racing for race wins. “
Ezpeleta believes Aprilia will also lose concessions
“I expect,” the Dorna boss continued, “that Aprilia will lose [the concessions] this year. That would be fantastic because it would mean that all us manufacturers would be in the same position.”
“Of course, the sole tyre manufacturer and the single electronics play a role,” says Ezpeleta, referring to “successful measures” in this context.
“But,” he stresses emphatically, “we must never forget the generosity of Honda and Yamaha. They gave up the advantage they had previously gained to allow the other manufacturers to be more competitive. “
