MotoGP back to Brno? Everything the Masaryk Circuit must fulfil to successfully host the championship in the modern era

Last week, news of the possible return of Brno and the Masaryk Circuit, once a favourite of riders and teams on the World Championship calendar, appeared in the sporting ether. However, insufficient asphalt quality, progressively less satisfactory facilities and little support from the government or the region have caused the Czech Republic’s VC to withdraw from the MotoGP series, in which it has featured for almost half a century until 2020. However, if Brno wants to return to the World Championship, it will not only have to avoid basic investments for the renewal of the race, but also necessary expenses in areas that are a must for the pleasure of the modern fan.

• Brno and the Masaryk Circuit are in talks with the promoter of the MotoGP series to return to its calendar
• In addition to elementary investments, Brno must offer some added value for a successful grand prix
• In addition to the racing, this includes, first and foremost, off-circuit entertainment and strong marketing

Even a beautiful circuit may not be a winner

The Czech Republic Grand Prix was one of the top stops for the World Championship of Road Motorcycles, building on a rich history and general popularity with fans, riders and teams. The Masaryk circuit is one of the tracks that almost every old-school fan can’t get enough of.

The long stretches, attractive stadium sections and significant elevation changes not only offered an adrenaline rush for the drivers, but Czech motoring fans were also in for a treat. A beautiful view of a large part of the circuit from almost any position and at least once a year their country became the world centre of the entire motorcycle season.

That was true until 2019, when Brno enjoyed visits from more than a quarter of a million MotoGP enthusiasts from all over the globe. The subsequent, metal-encased season unfortunately didn’t allow them to sit on the benches in the grandstands or on the grass lining the circuit on either side again. It was not only this that dealt Brno a severe blow. The drivers themselves complained again this year, as in previous years, about the quality of the asphalt.

Jack Miller, current KTM factory team rider, was critical of the unbearable bumps in 2020, which he said were getting worse every year.

His opinion was seconded by Aleix Espargaró, who even described circuit racing as unacceptable. This, and the ever-increasing entry fee to series promoter Dorna, contributed to the cancellation of the Czech Republic’s VC starting in the 2021 season.

What needs to be done to ensure Brno’s possible return to MotoGP?

The Grand Prix organisers, including all other interested groups, have since failed to agree on contributions that would bring the quality of the Masaryk circuit back to world class. In addition to investment in new asphalt, improvements to facilities including the paddock, paddock areas and infrastructure are a must for a return to the world motor racing calendar.

The Sport.cz website has estimated the required investment at CZK 200 million. This figure does not include the aforementioned registration fee, which totals CZK 162 million.

In other words, the Czech Republic’s debut in the MotoGP calendar will not be possible without significant support from the owners and organisers, and preferably also from the state and the government itself.

The vast majority of countries that host, for example, the Formula 1 World Championship alongside the World Road Race Championship rely on annual assistance from the most senior of their governments. Without them, international motor racing in the modern era of strict regulations and high professionalism is almost impossible.

But the basic investment in the circuit itself is not the sole architects of success. For the most part, today’s fan is not content with the experience of attending a major sporting event and soaking up the unique atmosphere. Today’s fan needs to be entertained at the circuit, preferably from his arrival at the track to his departure. Better yet, he or she must find a compelling reason to get a full weekend ticket.

In addition to the efforts of promoters and federations to freshen up the racing schedule with sprints and competitive rides as early as Friday, it behooves the organizers to arrange numerous entertainment programs outside the circuit. Not only that, with the growing influence of social media, digital and media space, successful marketing is equally important. Only with the successful inclusion of these factors can a successful motorsport grand prix worthy of international stature come out of the equation.

Other potential pitfalls, but also hopes for the future

It has been four years since the Czech Republic last participated in the MotoGP calendar this year. Since then, the whole sport has changed and evolved significantly. For at least the second year, Dorna and the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) have planned a calendar of 22 grand prix this year.

After some postponements and cancellations, only twenty remain for this year. Dorna’s chief commercial officer Dan Rossomondo announced some time ago that 22 grand prix was the ultimate goal for the ideal shape of the MotoGP calendar.

So the question is whether there is still a place left for Brno in the MotoGP schedule. More countries are applying to participate and with the addition of India as one of the world’s biggest motorcycle markets last year, the Czech Republic’s re-inclusion is no simple matter.

Despite expansion to other parts of the world, however, Europe remains the centre of the World Championship of Road Motorcycling. European fans are objectively among the most passionate and dedicated ever, and so the Old Continent certainly continues to deserve a significant share of the calendar.

Spain and Italy in particular are represented not only by the numerous riders in the field in all categories, but also by the fact of how many races are held in these countries each season. Spain is hosting four Grand Prix on its territory this year, Italy three.

So there is certainly scope for a possible rotation of circuits from the same regions, allowing other countries to add their footprint to the MotoGP calendar, including the Czech Republic, which can undoubtedly argue for its re-entry with its rich racing history and general reach.

All it takes is the right people, willingness, courage and a good plan, alongside money, and the Czech Republic could once again become the centre of the entire international motorcycle community.

Source: MotoGP, Sport.cz, Asphaltandrubber.com, Blackbookmotorsport.com