Dorna exploring Austin F1 GP MotoGP showcase event

MotoGP is working on the idea of staging a demonstration during the US Formula 1 GP in October, with a view to potentially holding joint MotoGP and F1 events in the future.

Not for the first time, the idea of MotoGP and Formula 1 sharing the same piece of tarmac over the course of a race weekend have been mentioned. And according to Motorsport.com, MotoGP and F1 owner Liberty Media is considering the possibility of putting Grand Prix bikes out on track as part of a demo showcase in front of F1 fans. 

The idea is for MotoGP bikes to complete a number of laps around the 3.426-mile COTA circuit at some stage over the weekend, which takes place on October 23-25.

The laps will not be completed by full-time MotoGP riders, though, as the two-wheel series will be racing at Phillip Island for the final time during the same weekend. According to the report, MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MotoGP SEG) has already begun discussions with teams to gauge an idea of whether they are interested. The costs involved with transporting MotoGP machines, as well as having riders and personnel to run them, is likely to be a challenge. 

But if this takes place, and is a success, the appeal to stage MotoGP and Formula 1 events at the same circuit is likely to grow mainly from Liberty Media’s perspective, but also with fans.

That being said, there will be several factors to consider when hosting both championships at the same venue, including the schedule and timing.

Currently, MotoGP and Formula 1 host many races on the same weekend, albeit at different venues; however, there are minimal gaps between sessions, which would likely need to be widened in case of major incidents, but also because of the preparation that goes into each session and race beforehand.

Logistics will also need to be considered, while it’s also unclear how teams would operate from the same pit lane infrastructure. All of this makes hosting both championships on the same weekend, at the same venue, quite a challenge.

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