Exclusive interview with Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo
Almost two weeks ago, Infront Moto Racing released an updated version of the 2020 MXGP calendar out. According to that schedule, the Motocross World Championship would start again in Russia on August 8 and 9. In addition, GPs are planned until the end of November, with one race per weekend. It is clear that all questions surrounding the calendar are closely related to the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic.
To explain the current calendar situation, editor Andy contacted David Luongo (photo below), the CEO of Infront Moto Racing. He was kind enough to take the time and answer some pressing questions. Not least about the 2020 edition of the MX of Nations.
David, it's a difficult time for everyone, but by working together with many different organizations it looks like the GP season can be saved. Are you happy with how everyone has worked together during this difficult time?
I will: “I am very happy that the entire motocross family has remained united in a very difficult moment. This is probably the most challenging period in history since World War II. All the different organizers spend a lot of time and effort to save their Grand Prix together with their federations. We are in close contact with everyone to support them and integrate the guidelines from their governments so that we can make the best possible plan to restart the championship.”
When we get back to racing, it looks like EMX/WMX will take place on Saturday with MXGP and MX2 on Sunday. What is the reason for this? Is that a measure to help limit riders on the track?
I will: “We have proposed to the FIM to change the regulations for the 2020 season so that the teams feel more comfortable with the competition schedule. When we start in August, the rhythm of traveling and racing will be intense because we can have a GP every week. This temporary change in the regulations will give the teams and mechanics more time to work on the engines between 2 Grand Prix. On the other hand, we also provide action on Saturday with the EMX and WMX races. This proposal must be discussed with the FIM and is only valid for the 2020 season.”
When things normalize again (hopefully in 2021), will we go back to the normal schedule of GP riders also riding on Saturdays and completing a qualifying race? The solution you just described could certainly help, but to attract fans on Saturday you also need GP riders, I think.
I will: “As you said, the program on Saturday is very important for every GP. Of course, motocross fans mainly come for the MX2 and MXGP riders who are the stars of our sport. We found that the qualifying races on Saturday attracted more crowds and that their coverage also provided additional coverage on MXGP-TV.com. Many spectators even have the habit of experiencing the weekend from Friday, they stay at the campsite and enjoy the entire race weekend. That is a tradition that we want to honor. This proposal would therefore only be considered for 2020, because we are dealing with very unusual circumstances. The EMX and WMX races will be shown live on MXGP-TV as usual and the MX2/MXGP program will only take place on Sunday.”
What are the chances that the first few GPs will take place with fans? Is Infront Moto Racing prepared to allow some Grand Prix to take place without fans or only a limited number of spectators?
Lunogo: “It's very difficult to imagine an MXGP without fans. The organizer's business model for the Grand Prix depends heavily on ticket sales. MXGP is a very popular sport, but cannot rely solely on revenue from television rights such as football. Our priority is to organize an event with spectators and it is still too early to understand what the situation will look like in August. From what we understand in recent days, the situation seems to be getting better. It also appears that European countries will reopen their borders during June. We still have more than two months until August. But the goal is certainly to ride with spectators.”
There is talk of the MX of Nations where World Cup points can also be earned. How would this work practically? Let's say Slovenia doesn't qualify, then Tim Gajser has a problem. Would it be possible to maybe do a GP on Saturday and then the MXoN on Sunday? Is that an option?
I will: We propose to the FIM to amend the MXoN regulations for the 2020 season to distribute points for the MXGP and MX2 World Championship. We will introduce a wild card system to give top riders who have not been selected by their country the opportunity to participate. For the specific case you mentioned above, we are looking at specific regulations to allow the top drivers to ride on Sundays. But it is still too early to go into more detail about the technical regulations, because we are still working on them with the FIM.”
Everyone seems to be concerned about the fact that there is racing every week from August to November. But what are the chances of that happening? Maybe despite all the good intentions it will be 10 to 12 GPs?
I will: “From the beginning we explored all possible scenarios to offer the best MXGP championship. We take into account the difficulties we will encounter in moving from one country to another. We managed to organize more than 11 GPs later in the season. That is quite exceptional and I would like to thank all the different organizers for their energy and dedication. The latest announcement of the calendar follows the same line. We should start again in August because we want to save time and finish as many GPs as possible. Of course, everything will depend on the government's upcoming decisions to allow sporting events, the same for traveling within and outside Europe. By organizing a decent World Cup we will support and probably save more than 3.000 jobs directly or indirectly related to the paddock (teams, riders, journalists, organisers, partners…). The economic impact generated by a GP in a region will also be preserved. It is still too early to know exactly how many GPs will take place in 2020, but we will fight for all GPs.”
There is talk of a venue getting two GPs – could this still happen? For example, Lommel could have one round and then another round a week later, but then there would have to be some changes to the track?
I will: “This solution has also been considered, but will remain as a backup plan for the time being, as we are still confident of a good number of GPs. But things can certainly change if the situation worsens. We will know more about the future in June/July.”
It's a difficult time to run a GP team, so is it likely that overseas competitions will be restricted?
I will: “We have a contract with all organizers and we must respect those contracts. If there is no reason such as restrictions regarding sporting events or the safety of certain destinations, we see no reason to cancel those matches. They are also part of the entire economy of the MXGP World Championship and contribute to the championship's popularity. Furthermore, we must be very careful not to use this situation as an excuse for some teams to drastically reduce the salaries of their drivers and/or mechanics.”
Let us look back at the first two GPs. The races were great and the level is very high. You must be happy with the sporty start to the season.
I will: "That's right. We are very happy with the quality of MXGP and MX2 World Championship. We have reached an exceptional level in MXGP in recent years. 16 world titles were represented on the Matterley Basin podium with Tony Cairoli, Tim Gajser Gajser and Jeffrey Herlings. Every year we have new talented rookies coming out of MX2 to raise the level and push the top riders to new limits. MX2 will also be more open than ever. Last but not least, the races in the EMX125 and EMX250, which showcase the stars of tomorrow, are always very exciting. So the motocross talent pyramid works well.”
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Photos: Ray Archer, MXGP, Niek Kamper, shotbyBavo
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