MotoGP: Dorna considering ‘city race’

PLANS are underway for a city-based MotoGP round making use of public roads, the CEO of organiser Dorna has revealed.

Carmelo Ezpeleta told Spanish newspaper Expansion that “a solid project” was moving forward in “a warm city”.

He said: ““There is a solid project in a warm city.

"In theory, the main straight of the track would be held on a street and the paddock would be covered, integrated in an exhibition centre.

“For the grand prix weekend, it will be used for the race, and many other things during the rest of the year."

The move would help cater for an anticipated rise in the number of MotoGP rounds per season from 19 this year to 20 next and possibly up to 24 beyond.

Speaking to Crash.net last September, Ezpeleta said here there were enquiries from a number of countries about the possibility of hosting a race in coming years.

He said: “Honestly, more than 20 [races] at the moment is difficult. I say always that the ideal number of races is 22, but not yet.

“We need to see who is gradually interested but if we were able to offer today 24 grand prix, there are countries ready to do 24 grand prix.”