Motorsport breakfast: event report

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Last Monday, February 25th, a “Sports Breakfast” was held in Madrid “Sports Breakfast”, attended by various motorsport personalities, among them Álex Crivillé, 500cc World Champion; Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of DORNA, and Ángel Nieto, 12+1 World Motorcycle Racing Champion.

Highmotor had the opportunity, together with other media outlets, to attend this event held at the InterContinental Hotel in Madrid.

At first, the biographies of Mr. Ezpeleta and Mr. Crivillé were presented, after which the floor was given first to the CEO of DORNA, and then to the 500cc Champion.

Carmelo Ezpeleta began his speech by reviewing his involvement with the World Motorcycle Championship since 1990, and also spoke about DORNA’s priorities, based above all on rider safety.

For his part, Álex Crivillé‘s speech was shorter but more intense, as he made clear his passion for motorcycles even though he no longer competes.

After the opening remarks from the two speakers, the floor was opened to questions, during which many topics were discussed. Some of them you will find below:

– The advantages and disadvantages of the night race in Qatar, to which Mr. Ezpeleta responded with a brief remark about the weather, since if the race were held in rainy conditions it could not take place due to the danger it would pose to riders, and its schedule would therefore change.

– The topic of safety also came up frequently during the question session, as the Turkish circuit was compared with Laguna Seca. Carmelo Ezpeleta made clear that both circuits meet the necessary safety standards, but that the Turkish track does not attract spectators, which is why its removal from the championship calendar was decided.

– The change in the 990cc to 800cc engines for motorcycles was also questioned, to which DORNA’s CEO responded clearly, giving priority to rider safety.

– Tyres were also discussed, since last year they were central to the World Championship and the possibility of a single-brand championship with Michelin or Bridgestone was raised.

– The traction control that Valentino Rossi so dislikes was an important axis, since at the Official Test in Jerez the riders concluded that traction control should not be removed, as it gives them more confidence on the bike.
Although Crivillé does not like traction control, he agrees that it is very important for safety and for being able to control and manage the bike in certain circumstances.

– The possible entry of other manufacturers into the World Championship such as Triumph, an aspect Ezpeleta ruled out for now, since any manufacturer wishing to enter must measure up to the others.

– The effect of Formula 1 was also addressed, since having a F1 champion could have had repercussions on the World Motorcycle Championship, although Ezpeleta stated very clearly that it had had no negative effect on motorcycles or audiences, since Spain’s most-watched sporting moment was when Álex Crivillé won the World Championship in Brazil in 1999.

– The Pedrosa-Lorenzo duel in the MotoGP World Championship is important, although Crivillé believes Pedrosa has much more experience, a good team and a major sponsor, though his injury could cause problems during the first races.

– Ezpeleta was asked about his relationship with Rossi, and whether Rossi influenced his decision-making. This was immediately denied, making clear that Rossi is a great rider but does not influence him in the World Championship.

– A question for Crivillé about the difference between his 500cc two-stroke and an 800cc four-stroke, and which of them was easier to ride.
For the former rider, the 800cc is smoother, not as aggressive as his 500cc, although it has its own difficulties; it is much less aggressive than the 500cc.

– The number of registered riders in MotoGP was discussed. Ezpeleta believes it is better to have 18 riders, all with a chance to win, than 22 riders where some have no real opportunity or prospects.

– Spain hosts three Grands Prix of Motorcycle Racing, so there were rumours that one of them would disappear, a claim he denied, since teams love coming to Spain for the atmosphere at the track and the spectators.

– Crivillé was asked a compulsory question, since Carmelo Ezpeleta must remain impartial and cannot say who his favourites are.

For the former rider in the 125cc category, Talmacsi will be very strong, although it will be difficult, and one of the young riders could surprise everyone, including the Spaniards.

In the 250cc category, he believes Bautista can play a great role, although it will be difficult, and in the premier class he puts three riders in the fight for the world title: Pedrosa, Rossi and Stoner.

The event had a great moment when a question about the possibility of Schumacher taking part as a wildcard in some race turned into a statement by Álex Crivillé, since he said that if Schumacher entered, he would also enter.

One of the anecdotes from a positive, fun and very entertaining event, in which motorsport personalities answered the questions that many fans of two-wheeled racing have in mind.

In the gallery you can find more photographs, although they are not as good as those accompanying the post, as my camera could not do much more. Despite this, I recommend you look at them.