MotoGP Manufacturers Push for New Revenue Framework
MotoGP manufacturers are working together to create a new financial framework that would give them a larger share of the championship’s commercial revenue. This initiative involves negotiations with Dorna, the current promoter of the series, and aims to secure better terms for the teams involved.
The five major constructors recently met at the Czech Grand Prix, where they signed a commitment document and appointed Lin Jarvis, a former Yamaha director and current advisor, as their spokesperson. Jarvis, along with Massimo Rivola, president of the Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA), met with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to discuss the manufacturers’ desire to revisit the distribution of the championship's financial assets.
This move was initially driven by the factories, but satellite teams have also supported the initiative. According to reports, Dorna’s top executive reacted negatively to the proposal. However, the manufacturers were prepared for this response and now hope to reach a compromise during future negotiations, which are expected to take place at the next event in Austria in August.
The manufacturers are looking to establish a document similar to Formula 1’s Concorde Agreement, which governs the distribution of revenue from F1’s commercial rights among its teams. While the exact details of the agreement remain confidential, it is known that the amount distributed depends on the end-of-season standings. For example, finishing fourth instead of fifth can result in a difference of more than €10 million. Teams also receive around 50% of the profits, though this percentage can vary depending on total revenue.
The current Concorde Agreement expires in 2025, but the next one—covering another five-year period starting in 2026—has already been signed by all relevant parties. The original agreement, established in 1981, caused significant conflict between the Federation Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA) and the Formula One Constructors' Association (FOCA). The rise of Bernie Ecclestone led to a renewal of the agreement in 1987, following the creation of Formula One Management (FOM).
In MotoGP, the constructors are seeking to open a dialogue to improve two key aspects they consider vital for the growth that Dorna is asking of them. The first is the money they receive from the rights holder. Currently, only satellite teams receive a fixed amount of €2.5 million per bike they lease (€5 million total).
The second point involves ownership of the grid slots that allow teams to compete in the world championship. Until now, these slots have been owned by Dorna, which grants them to teams for a period—most recently five years that expire at the end of 2026. The teams are seeking to gain legal ownership of these slots or at least secure guarantees that would allow them to make decisions without relying entirely on Dorna’s discretion.
This move from the manufacturers comes shortly after the acquisition of Dorna by Liberty Media, which also owns the commercial rights to F1. The deal was valued at €4.3 billion, with the purchase contract specifying that Ezpeleta would remain as CEO. Many in the paddock believe there is no clear connection between the championship’s total revenue and the amounts received by the teams.
Since Liberty’s intent to acquire MotoGP became public, interest from investment funds in purchasing independent teams has surged. However, Dorna currently values each team at around €20 million—an amount that is difficult to justify when the promoter remains the legal owner of the grid slots.
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