Is no constructor Moto GP pilot nor step

The 2004 world speed championship season motorcyclist, whose promoter is the Spanish company Dorna (115 employees, a turnover of EUR 82.4 million), finally starts on 18 April, on the circuit of Welkom, South Africa, after the abandonment of the Grand Prize of Japan in Suzuka which was to have run this weekend; the Japanese organiser has not realized the work of security on the circuit required following the fatal accident of last season.

As in 2003, the plateau of the class Queen, named "Moto GP" (formerly 500 cm3), composed of 4 motor time to 900 cc, prototypes that are voluntarily very identifiable series machines available on the international market, is to catch the Japanese brands, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, 4 2 Italian firms that compete for their starTwo years Aprilia and Ducati including one of the bikes beat last weekend at the Barcelona test session, a record speed rolling 347.4 km/h. Indicatively, on this same catalan circuit, German Formula 1 champion, Michael Schumacher, had reached 331,5 km/h at the wheel of his Ferrari.

But the arrival of Valentino Rossi at Yamaha for an annual salary of EUR 10 million, after 3 titles of world champion at Honda, relaunching the interest in the competition. Spain test session, the Italian driver has managed the best time, which promises a "beautiful battle in 16 Grands Prix", provides the boss of Dorna, Carmelo Ezpeleta. It hopes to increase its revenue from television rights which currently amounts to EUR 24.7 million. In total, live coverage, deferred retransmissions, magazines reach 350 million viewers. The France in withdrawal, no terrestrial channel broadcasts direct, only Eurosport, present on cable and satellite, is interested in the competition. "Then that Dorna is willing to give free images, I do not understand this strategy," exclaims Jean-Pierre Mougin, President of the French motorcycle Federation, Vice-President of the International Federation.

Manufacturers invest

Because the speed of motorcycle Grands Prix are attractive, which explains the investment made by the manufacturers. The journal "Maxi-Moto" considers that the development of Japanese Honda (largest budget) shall be between 80 and 90 million euros. Italian Ducati would have a budget estimated to EUR 33 million. "The motorcycle is a beautiful showcase for a constructor", provides the Federal leader. But, again, the France is indented. Is no constructor Moto GP, pilot nor step. The motorcycles, 2000 World champion 250 cc, Olivier Jacque, found no stable to his personal and sporting challenge in the superior category. "He had a bit of departure from EUR 1 million that other partners following, they were not found," recognizes Jean-Pierre Mougin.

However, the Federation supports the Grand Prize of France team managed by Claude Michy, organizer including the Grand Prize of France, which will be held May 16 at le Mans. "The image of what do football training centres, with the support of the Federation, has been in place a real stream Team France to detect the young pilots French able then to embark the great bath of the speed competition", says Manager. This team relies on a technical structure (10 people), led by Jean-Claude Besse, boss of SCRAB competition, Nogaro (Gers), on the circuit Paul Armagnac based. For this season, the driver Arnaud Vincent the only French in 125 cc world champion chose to run in the team Grand Prix France in the 250 cc category, with as team-mate Grégory Lefort (France 125 cc, 2002 and 2003 champion), and a small budget (EUR 1.2 million).

Remains that the competition of speed motorcycle remains as formula 1 under the banner of tobacco companies (Altadis, Philips Morris, Japan Tobacco, BAT) who invest 50-60 million euros in sponsorship. "Twenty-five years of presence, formula 1 has abandoned to the bike that is more accessible, recognizes Fabrice Bourgois-gunsmith, Director of the sponsorship of Altadis (Gauloises and Fortuna marks).". But it seems clear that the economic model of the competition will need to adapt with the prohibited blooming in Europe. "What has not escaped to the proponent. "I think that the Grands Prix will have to move," said the boss of Dorna. Builders want closer commercial markets, and prohibitions on tobacco and alcohol will push us to organize events on other continents. But we wish not to exceed the figure of 17 Grands Prix. "As early as October, a round of the competition will take place in the Qatar. The next year, a test will take place in the United States. And China knocks on the door.