P1racenews AI automatic summary:
In 2022, the circuit owner of the COTA circuit in Austin floated the idea of combining MotoGP and Formula 1 on the same weekend at the same track. Following the announcement that Liberty Media will take over the commercial rights of MotoGP from Dorna, Bobby Epstein’s progressive vision seems to be coming true.
During the 2022 United States Grand Prix, RacingNews365 interviewed Bobby Epstein, owner of the Circuit of the Americas, discussing the potential of a MotoGP and F1 double-header event. Epstein considered the idea of hosting both series on the same weekend, given the COTA circuit’s history of welcoming both classes. With Liberty Media now owning MotoGP’s commercial shares, the possibility of a combined MotoGP and Formula 1 weekend at COTA is closer to reality as Epstein highlighted in a recent interview. Epstein mentioned the idea of including lower-class motorcycle series in the F1 supporting program to test the concept of dual racing classes before potentially combining MotoGP and F1 on the same weekend. He expressed confidence in addressing safety concerns and logistics, suggesting that eventually hosting both series together on an F1 circuit is feasible. Collaborative efforts between the FIA and FIM governing bodies for marshalling would be crucial for a successful combined event, supported by mutual respect between the two sports. Epstein envisioned the excitement that a “Super Bowl” style event featuring MotoGP and F1 together at COTA could bring to drivers, fans, and everyone involved in motorsport.
