MotoGP 2023: not so much a calendar as an endurance test

Firstly, and let's be honest, the more races there are, the better. And Dorna clearly thinks so too, having put together what is a very interesting 2023 MotoGP calendar. With racing across five continents, historic rounds, brand-new tracks and new places to discover. Fantastic news and, believe us, we can’t wait to get going. Aware that the races – excluding tests – amount to 21.

MotoGP increasingly “Asian”, but Italy holds its own

If we include the events scheduled in Kazakhstan and India, the world championship is looking increasingly Asian, not Arabian like Formula 1, but tending more towards that part of the world. A matter of markets, trends, interests of the country in question and the desire – rightly so – to explore new horizons.

And that strategy is a good one, as long as the traditional rounds are upheld. And they are, with Mugello and Misano on the list for Italy, while France has Le Mans and Spain loses Aragón but retains Jerez, Montemeló and Valencia. Not bad.

Assen is another untouchable of course, as is Silverstone (despite Donington perhaps being a better fit for the two-wheelers). The Sachsenring remains, while Portugal will host the opening round. Argentina and The Americas are also a go, but you’ll notice there’s no mention of Finland. Not to worry, because Japan, Qatar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia (and we’ve forgotten Austria and the wonderful Red Bull Ring), and Thailand are all present and correct.

Higher costs, less rest

Most of those travelling to the tracks leave from Europe. Yes, there are riders, managers and staff who originally come from Japan, America, Australia or elsewhere, but the championship’s “fixed base” is on the Old Continent. For anyone living in Tokyo however, we’re talking roughly eight months away from home.

More far-flung races mean higher costs and more time spent travelling. The Portuguese opener is not a problem, in fact the Algarve is a beautiful place. Then, Argentina and the US.  Termas de Rio Hondo, the so-called "voyage of hope", Austin and Texas. The struggles will come later on in fact. As we head into autumn, you’ll understand.

The teams spend a fortune, to send both personnel and technical material. Every transportation needs to be carefully organised, with no obstacles, or the expenses only double. The same goes for the journalists, who must ask their editors for a significant budget.

The Sprint Race an added burden

Based on the comments we’ve seen so far, very few have anything positive to say about the new Sprint Race. Just criticism and judgment. We, on the other hand, welcome this new feature with an open mind, certain that it will add to the show.

It’s also true that it will add to the workload, for us who write and for they who race. If there really are to be 21 rounds – be aware that two of the dates still have an asterisk next to them – the actual races will amount to double that, so 42. Or rather 21, plus half of 21, for a total of 31.5!!!

Joking aside, it does represent an added burden, one of tension, prevention and strategy, emotions and acts that stress those facing the starting lights and the chequered flags. We’re talking about the most stressful moments of the weekend, and we’re in for 21 weekends. If it all goes to plan, we're in for a record-breaking MotoGP calendar.