MotoGP organisers Dorna announced on Thursday that it has signed a five year extension of its agreement with IRTA and Independent Teams, lasting from 2022 until the end of 2026.
The International Road-Racing Teams Association (IRTA) has worked to give teams involved in grand prix motorcycle racing a voice in how the sport is governed since Dorna began promoting the sport back in 1992, with the target going forward to continue increasing “sporting and financial support with the aim of levelling the playing field”, particularly for the independent outfits.
As an extension to the deal between Dorna and IRTA, the latter has signed a similar five year extended agreement with Independent Teams in order to make sure manufacturers don’t rule the roost as far as technical and sporting rule changes are concerned, giving them in a greater voice alongside the official marque’s.
Herve Poncharal-President of IRTA-said having the “security and visibility” of working directly with Dorna is exceptionally important for the private squads involved in MotoGP, the Frenchman hailing the relationship between Dorna and IRTA/Independent Teams that has “been excellent and improved every year.”
“The 2021 MotoGP racing season hasn’t started yet, but we have already great news to announce to the world; Dorna, IRTA and the MotoGP class Independent Teams have already decided to extend their partnership for another five years from 2022 to 2026. This is the best news we could have,” said Poncharal.
“The times are not easy at the moment, therefore having security, having visibility and to be able to carry on working with the same partner is always a big bonus.
“To have a promoter like Dorna on our side, managed by Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta, is like a dream for all of us. The relationship since 1992, when we started to work together, has been excellent and has improved every single year.
“Any question or request arising from the teams or the riders is always taken into great consideration from Dorna.”
“I would like to thank Mr. Carmelo Ezpeleta and the whole Dorna organization for being on our side and letting us dream for another five years. For sure, we will step up and improve again in order to try to have the best possible show.”
The work between Dorna, IRTA and Independent Teams to keep the competition level between manufacturer entries and independent teams has continued to bear fruit over recent years, culminating in a 2020 season that saw nine of the 14 races won by an independent team and rider combination.
The Petronas SRT squad-who run a pair of satellite Yamaha M1 machines-finished an impressive second in the teams championship behind only Suzuki, heading full factory entries such as Ducati, KTM and Honda as well as the official Yamaha operation.
Dorna’s deal with IRTA will also bring further financial support to teams involved in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes going forward, despite the fact deals for the outfits taking part in the two smaller classes are traditionally signed every year as opposed to a longer single deal.
