MotoGP Considers F1-Style Budget Cap, Ezpeleta Confirms

MotoGP Sporting Director Carlos Ezpeleta has confirmed that the series is considering the introduction of an F1-style budget cap. He described the move as an ambitious goal, but one that could be achieved with the right will and cooperation from manufacturers.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Ezpeleta explained that while there is no direct correlation between spending and on-track success in MotoGP, a spending limit could benefit both manufacturers and the championship. He stressed that there is currently no problem on track, but it is important to establish a rationale for cost management.

Carlos Ezpeleta. © Gold and Goose

Read AlsoMarc Marquez reveals "no control over my right arm" in Silverstone MotoGP

F1's budget cap, introduced in 2021, covers most areas of car design and performance, including staff salaries, but excludes driver salaries, the three highest-paid staff, marketing, and travel. It is monitored by the FIA through financial auditing and has been credited with attracting new manufacturers while helping existing ones turn a profit.

Ezpeleta acknowledged that implementing a budget cap in MotoGP is not straightforward, as the constructors come from different companies, backgrounds, and organisational structures. "It needs to be studied, but if there's a will, there's a way," he said. He also noted that some manufacturers have significant room to reduce their budgets.

While F1's cost cap was aimed at breaking the link between budget and results, Aprilia's giant-killing performances in MotoGP this season illustrate that two-wheeled success is already much harder to buy. "You're seeing now that some of the manufacturers are outperforming [those with bigger budgets]," Ezpeleta said. This reinforces the argument that MotoGP can learn from F1 without compromising competitiveness.

Steiner was the former Haas F1 team principal

The proposed budget cap has also gained support from new Tech3 KTM boss Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal. Steiner, who earlier voiced opposition to a single-bike proposal, said that a budget cap is a simple solution that has worked well in Formula 1. "We all know where it has worked [in Formula 1] with very good results," he said.

With backing from key figures, MotoGP's move towards a budget cap is now a major talking point. The decision could reshape the competitive landscape and attract more manufacturers to participate in the long term.