The director of an existing MotoGP circuit has dismissed speculations that Liberty Media, the commercial rights owner of F1, might host a combined MotoGP-F1 event following their acquisition of MotoGP promoter Dorna in a deal worth billions. This move has fueled discussions about a blockbuster weekend showcasing the zenith of both motorcycle and car racing.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for the idea: "I love MotoGP," and added, "It would be epic if we can have them on the same weekend."
Arjan Bos, the chairman of the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands, mentioned his willingness to consider such an event, stating, "If they want to experiment with combining MotoGP and F1 in one event, we would love to hear from them," as reported in the latest Dutch magazine Formule 1 issue.
However, Bos was skeptical about the viability of such a plan, remarking, "Honestly, no, I don't think the revenue model allows for that. There has always been close contact about the race calendars between MotoGP and Formula 1 to prevent overlap, and that will remain the case," he further explained.
He suggested that hosting F1 and MotoGP on consecutive weekends at the same venue might be more realistic. "In terms of organisation, that might be possible," Bos noted, "but then you'd have to deal with other practical objections, such as police deployment."
One significant challenge for Assen is securing the FIA's required Grade 1 certification for Formula 1 races. "We have shelved our old plans for that," Bos conceded. "We know what it takes and it could be achieved in one winter, but it is not an option at the moment. In the Netherlands we have Zandvoort, and those people are doing very well and have a well-deserved and beautiful place on the F1 calendar. It does not benefit us as Assen to pry around in this."
