Nationalities in MotoGP
Nationalities within MotoGP are relatively concentrated. We have plenty of Spaniards and Italians, and a few French riders. However, we only have one Japanese rider, one Australian, and one South African. I am always rooting for Sam Lowes and Jake Dixon in Moto2, but since the departure of Cal Crutchlow, I have had to adopt a new nationality (in my case, it is Spanish).
Obviously, Ducati’s preferred nationality (similar to Ferrari) is Italian; the two red manufacturers are the pride of Italy. The VR46 Academy has been pumping a steady stream of top-quality riders into MotoGP. It will be an interesting dynamic for the Italian fans, as I feel they will be slightly torn between booing Marquez next year because I don’t think they could boo the factory Ducati rider. I think there will be a lot of cheering through gritted teeth in Misano & Mugello next year.
Takaaki Nakagami is the only Japanese rider on the MotoGP grid at the moment. Unfortunately, he has not performed brilliantly in his MotoGP career overall, not placing above 4th place in 134 starts. I feel like this is where nationality may be a hindrance for a team, as there are plenty of riders who could have deserved a place on the grid. However, I think he is slightly favored by the Japanese manufacturer, Honda. Fortunately, there are some good riders up and coming out of Asia. They have a lot of routes into MotoGP, so I do believe we will see some quality and championship-winning riders over the next few years.
It is obvious as a MotoGP fan that Spain and Italy bleed motorsport. I recently attended the Catalan GP; the atmosphere was electric, and you could feel the passion all over the city. Italy goes without saying—Rossi is treated like a god, and Ducati and Ferrari are the religion. Italy has the VR46 Academy, and Spain has multiple opportunities to get into the MotoGP world. However, in the UK, the career pathway is slightly limited. We have BSB, but it is a different style and completely different quality. You also basically need to get into WSBK and then somehow get noticed enough to move into MotoGP, but that move is usually the other way around. There simply are not enough opportunities in the UK for young riders to break through into the big leagues.
There is change on the horizon within the UK with Michael Laverty, a former MotoGP, BSB, and WSBK rider, and the VisionTrack Racing team, who have recently launched their Moto3 team, with the hopes of eventually having a team in Moto2 and MotoGP. This will be a direct link for young British talent to get into a pathway to the top.
“Moving into year two of this project, I feel we are in a much stronger position. The experience gained in year one has been priceless. The winter break allowed everyone to develop in their own way—mechanics and technicians with their machines, riders enjoying the continuity of a second season—and on the management side, I feel we are better prepared to nurture our young riders and youthful teams on the path to success. I feel we can truly be a force within the World/European & British Championships. We appreciate you following us on this journey.”
Michael Laverty
There is change on the horizon within the UK with Michael Laverty, a former MotoGP, BSB, and WSBK rider, and the VisionTrack Racing team, who have recently launched their Moto3 team, with the hopes of eventually having a team in Moto2 and MotoGP. This will be a direct link for young British talent to get into a pathway to the top.