MotoGP’s, Dorna Sports, is taking steps to help independent race teams survive the coronavirus pandemic.  Dorna is announcing that they will be supporting its independent race teams in the form of a check for €250,000.

The teams that will benefit from these payments are Petronas Yamaha, Red Bull KTM Tech3, Reale Avintia Ducati, Pramac Ducati, LCR Honda, and the Gresini Aprilia.  Although factory-supported, Gresini Aprilia is still technically an independent team.

April, May, and June Payments

The payments are coming in April, May, and June regardless of whether any racing takes place.  If racing does not resume by that timeframe, MotoGP head honcho Carmelo Ezpeleta says the payments may be extended.

Teams like KTM Red Bull KTM Tech3 will receive checks from Dorna. Photo credit: Red Bull KTM Tech3

According to Spanish outlet as.com, Dorna will also make payments to racing classes below the MotoGP category.  Teams in Moto2 and Moto3 will receive a check for €25,000 per rider.   These teams may also receive extended payments if necessary.

And, it seems that the idea to make payments to the teams is not just Dorna’s idea.  Dorna’s press release makes it quite clear that the move is being made with the support of the FIM and “the full commitment from shareholders Bridgeport Capital and CPP Investments (CPP Investments is a Canadian pension fund which holds a stake in Dorna).

What about Dorna’s World Superbike Championship?

There’s no word on whether teams in Dorna’s other world level race series, World Superbike, will receive similar financial assistance.  You could certainly think that at some point, those teams will also need financial assistance.  Whether the “lesser” series can afford to make such a move isn’t clear.  But Ezpeleta has made it clear that he knows the MotoGP teams will need help, and perhaps he’s thinking the same for World Superbike.

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