Checking In on Some International Race News — MotoGP and F1 Updates
The face of international motorsports is in a state of flux, with changes to most series occurring in the next few years as sanctioning bodies prepare for a world with less fossil fuels propelling racing cars. Formula 1, for instance will be moving to new technical regulations in 2026 that introduce synthetic fuel. INDYCAR will be utilizing KERS energy recycling with hybrids in 2024, once supply chain issues have been resolved.
Earlier this week, Volkswagen group CEO Herbert Diess said that both Porsche and Audi, the two premium Germany-based brands in the VW Group, will both enter Formula 1 later this decade or, as he put it, “in the near future.” Conjecture has Audi as the entity fielding a team in F1, most likely purchasing or teaming with an existing squad and Porsche supplying engines and/or technology.
It’s not like both Porsche and Audi have been silent about their desires to be part of the Formula 1 community, but the drumbeats have increased over the past couple of years. Diess did let on, according to Reuters that Porsche’s plans and preparations were a bit more concrete than those of Audi. Both brands are looking to take over the domination that Mercedes-Benz has had over the past decade.
No doubt the probability of participation in F1 by both Porsche and Audi is being impacted by the huge advertising bonus of being part of motorsports’ prominent series, but the financial cost of joining F1 will mean cutbacks in other racing activities by both brands. The pending IPO for Porsche could be impacted, but not by this decision: the conflict in Ukraine could affect the timing of the proposed IPO, which could affect the premium brand. Volkswagen AG’s plans to float the IPO could expand the parent firm’s financial flexibility, something it could use for its F1 entry.
Porsche has been investing in synthetic fuels, which are part of the new rules for 2026. That year will see new cars and engines, as well as a change in fuels, making 2026 an optimal time for any new entry, as the playing field could be far more level.
While Porsche and Audi are entering the top form of four-wheel motorsport, apparently Suzuki are planning to exit MotoGP, after winning their most recent championship in 2020 with Joan Mir. Suzuki returned to full-time two-wheeled competition in MotoGP in 2015 and earned its first race win a year later with Maverick Vinales. The company has been in the series for the past seven years, but has not conferred with Dorna and the FIM regarding its departure.
Suzuki has a grand history in MotoGP, particularly in the 500cc era, when it secured world titles with Barry Sheene, Marco Lucchinelli, Franco Uncini, Americans Kevin Schwantz and Kenny Roberts Jr. Once MotoGP switched to a four-stroke formula in 2002, the company continued to race for a time, but withdrew at the close of the 2011 season, having run a single entry for Alvaro Bautista that year.
it’s believed that Suzuki gathered its MotoGP team together on Monday, May 2nd, and told them of the decision to depart at the close of this season. An official announcement hasn’t yet been made but Dorna Sports, the organization responsible for putting on MotoGP races, has produced commentary concerning this news. Apparently, Dorna Sports have not been contacted directly by Suzuki – yet – concerning their departure. To counterbalance the rumor mill, Dorna put together a statement:
“Following recent rumours of Suzuki departing MotoGP at the end of 2022, Dorna Sports has officially contacted the factory in order to remind them that the conditions of their contract to race in MotoGP do not allow for them to take this decision unilaterally. However,” Dorna stated, “should Suzuki depart following an agreement between both parties, Dorna will decide on the ideal number of riders and teams racing in the MotoGP class from 2023.
“Dorna continues to receive high levels of interest from a number of both official factories and independent teams looking to join the MotoGP grid as the sport continues to set a global example of close competition, innovation and entertainment, reaching hundreds of millions of fans around the world. Interest from these parties has been reconfirmed in the past 24 hours,” the statement concluded.