Yamaha MotoGP managing director Paolo Pavesio has cautioned that the championship’s push for expansion under Liberty Media must not come at the expense of its established fanbase.
Since Liberty Media assumed control of the series last year, the Formula 1 owner has pursued a broader appeal through initiatives such as staging more events near major urban centers, eliminating wildcard entries from 2027, and exploring a separate grid format for sprint races.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com Italy, Pavesio emphasized that while he supports progress, new ideas require intelligent management to avoid alienating the current audience.
“The evolution of things shouldn’t frighten us if we manage it with a clear and shared idea and strategy,” Pavesio said. He illustrated the generational perspective by referencing a stripped-down 2002 500cc machine in his office and Giacomo Agostini’s drum-brake era bike downstairs, noting that each generation connects with different eras of the sport.
Giacomo Agostini, Yamaha
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images
Pavesio highlighted a fundamental structural difference between Formula 1 and MotoGP that must inform strategic decisions.
“The big difference between F1 and motorcycle racing is that the biggest investors in motorcycle racing are the manufacturers,” he explained. “If we take the total investment here as 100%, the investment made by the five MotoGP manufacturers accounts for 70%. And why do we do it? To sell motorcycles. So we have to be careful.”
He acknowledged that while cost reduction would be welcome, the priority is sustainable growth. “We have to be careful not to evolve this sport to the point where our fans no longer recognise themselves in it and we lose them.”
Regarding the incoming 850cc regulation for 2027 — a plan predating Liberty’s involvement — Pavesio expressed support. “I don’t think next year’s technical evolution is wrong. The bikes will still be extreme, but a little more human,” he said.
Michele Pirro, Ducati GP27 850cc
Photo by: GPOne
“The show should benefit from that, and those who love motorcycles will still find them extreme and fun. Then we can discuss the various devices and their introduction or prohibition.”
Pavesio noted that audience growth presents a direct commercial opportunity for manufacturers, unlike in Formula 1. “If you bring those people into F1, you don’t sell any more Ferraris. You don’t sell any more McLarens or Alpines. But here, you do. We also make scooters, which people use to get around. So if new people arrive, they can help us rejuvenate our audience and also help us grow on the business side.”
He concluded that lessons from Formula 1 should only be applied once a healthy, expanding audience and sound manufacturer business case are secured. “Then, if we are as good as F1 has been with the team property itself — turning it into an asset that generates revenue and profit — even better. We have to be careful, yes, but we also have to be open to an evolution that is managed intelligently.”