Riders express concern to Dorna of precarious MotoGP contracts

During Friday evening’s traditional safety commission meeting with the riders, those present took the rare opportunity of Ezpeleta’s attendance to bring up their concerns about the current state of contracts.  

Autosport has also learned the safety commission also spoke about the lack of support when teams oust riders from contracts early, as was the case with Romano Fenati who was axed by the Speed Up Moto2 squad last week.  

“Most riders, especially those in Moto3 and Moto2, are absolutely defenceless when teams decide to break with them unilaterally,” one attendant at the meeting told Autosport.  

“We have discussed with Carmelo the specific issue of Fenati. When a team wants to fire a rider, they do it. But when a rider wants to leave, he can't.” 

The main focus of discussions centred on the low-paying contracts that have been implemented by most manufacturers since the COVID pandemic struck.  

In terms of contract negotiations for the 2023 season, a number of riders have been offered new deals well below expectation and their value.  

Aleix Espargaro told the media in Austin last month that his first discussions with Aprilia about a renewal had left him “sad” as they were too far apart on terms.  

And prior to Suzuki’s shock announcement of its exit from MotoGP at the end of 2022, Joan Mir’s manager Paco Sanchez told select media on Thursday at the French Grand Prix that the Japanese marque’s first offer to the 2020 world champion was “unacceptable”.  

Romano Fenati was dropped by Moto2 squad Speed Up Racing, prompting concerned riders to raise speak with Ezpeleta on Friday

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

It is understood Mir – who finished third in the 2021 standings having scored six podiums - was