MotoGP has long been a series defined by its iconic permanent circuits, from the sweeping curves of Mugello to the historic tarmac of Assen. But according to Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio, the time may be right to shake up the calendar with a greater number of street circuits, bringing the championship directly to the people.
In a recent interview, Brivio expressed his desire to see MotoGP follow in the footsteps of Formula 1 and Formula E, both of which have successfully integrated city-based tracks into their schedules. “Let’s bring MotoGP to the people,” he said, advocating for a more accessible and fan-friendly approach to where the world’s fastest motorcyclists compete.
The comments come in the wake of the challenges encountered at Goiânia, which hosted this year’s Brazilian Grand Prix. The event highlighted the complexities of adapting temporary layouts for motorcycle racing, raising broader questions about the suitability of different venues. While Brivio is keen on expanding the series’ reach, he was quick to stress that rider safety must remain the foremost consideration in any such move.
Learning from Other Series
Formula 1 has made street circuits a cornerstone of its modern appeal, with glamorous night races in Singapore and the historic Monaco Grand Prix drawing massive global audiences. Formula E, meanwhile, has built its entire identity around city-center tracks, racing through the streets of Rome, Berlin, and New York. These series have demonstrated that temporary circuits can deliver thrilling, close-quarters racing while also creating a festival-like atmosphere that permanent tracks often struggle to match.
Brivio believes MotoGP could reap similar benefits. “Street circuits offer a unique spectacle,” he noted. “They bring the action right to the fans, allowing them to feel the speed and hear the engines up close. It’s a completely different experience from watching from a grandstand far away.” The potential for increased fan engagement is clear, and with MotoGP’s growing popularity in emerging markets, street races could be a powerful tool for expanding the sport’s footprint.
The Challenges Ahead
However, the transition from permanent circuits to temporary street layouts is not without its hurdles. Motorcycles are far more sensitive to surface irregularities than cars, and the unforgiving nature of concrete barriers leaves little room for error. The issues seen at Goiânia, where riders faced a dusty and slippery track, underscore the importance of meticulous preparation and rigorous safety standards.
Brivio acknowledged these concerns, stating, “We have to be very careful. Safety is the number one priority. But if we can find the right locations and prepare them properly, I think street circuits could be a fantastic addition to our calendar.” He also pointed out that MotoGP has a history of adapting to new environments, citing the success of the Sachsenring, which began as a street circuit before becoming a permanent fixture.
A Vision for the Future
The idea of adding more street circuits is not entirely new to MotoGP. The series has previously raced on temporary tracks, including the famous Isle of Man TT, though that event is no longer part of the world championship. More recently, the inaugural Grand Prix of India was held at a purpose-built circuit, but the potential for urban races in cities like London or Bangkok has been discussed informally for years.
For Brivio, the benefits extend beyond spectacle. Street races often take place in the heart of major cities, making them more accessible to casual fans and attracting new audiences who might not travel to remote permanent tracks. They also offer commercial opportunities for sponsors and local businesses, creating a win-win situation for all involved.
“We need to think outside the box,” Brivio said. “The world is changing, and we have to change with it. If we want MotoGP to grow, we have to make it easier for people to experience it. Street circuits are one way to do that.”
Balancing Act
Yet, the path forward will require careful planning and collaboration between circuit designers, safety officials, and the teams. Each potential venue must be evaluated on its own merits, with particular attention paid to runoff areas, barrier placement, and track surface quality. The FIM and Dorna, MotoGP’s commercial rights holder, would need to work closely with local organizers to ensure that any new event meets the highest standards.
Brivio remains optimistic, however. “I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but I believe it’s possible. We have the technology and the expertise to make it work. We just need the will to try.”
As MotoGP continues to evolve, the debate over street circuits is likely to intensify. For now, Brivio’s words serve as a reminder that the sport must balance tradition with innovation, always keeping the fans and the riders at the heart of its decisions. Whether we will see MotoGP bikes screaming through city streets in the near future remains to be seen, but the conversation has certainly been started.
