Addressing Motorsport’s New Horizon - Part 5:
21st April
The BlackBook Virtual Summits bring industry leaders together to discuss the new path motorsport has been placed on.
In an uncertain world, motorsport needs to adapt. The pressures of a global pandemic, climate change and rapid digitalisation require bold changes in order for motorsport to remain relevant and continue to grow. In this ongoing series, we are joined by prominent rights holders, race promoters, brands and OEMs to talk together on the future of the sport.
Technical innovation in Formula 1
14:00 - 15:00 BST
Formula One is often regarded as being at the very forefront of technical breakthroughs, certainly in racing. The landscape ahead, however, is as uncertain as its ever been. So, what direction is the sport headed? One person who would have an educated idea of this would be Paddy Lowe, the former CTO at Williams Racing and the executive director (technical) of Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team, who outlines his thoughts on key technical areas we may see adopted in the near future.
- How has Formula One moved through innovations during recent decades?
- At the current crossroads facing motorsport, what direction is likely in the coming years?
The future outlook for MotoGP & two-wheeled racing
15:00 - 16:00 BST
As the pinnacle of motorbike racing, MotoGP stands apart with its fanbase, commercial operations and overall spectacle. Although greater external pressure for change exists in the car market, that does not mean the two-wheeled world is standing still. In discussion with MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports and the Yamaha Motor Racing team, we talk about the future and the dynamic between series, teams and brands.
- Where is MotoGP headed in the next 5 years as the motorsport industry strives to remain relevant?
- Where can teams focus their efforts to stand out and create an attractive commercial proposition?
- Why do brands derive value from the sport and how has that relationship evolved in recent years?
WRC - The Mount Olympus of Rallying
16:00 - 17:00 BST
The World Rally Championship will be 50 years old within this decade, standing as the ‘Mount Olympus’ of the rallying discipline. Whilst the series has faced many challenges in recent years, it has always come out on top as it looks to go from strength to strength and remain relevant for years to come. With the series set to end its ties to pure internal combustion, take ownership of the FIA WRX championship and adapt to a new world, the future certainly is bright.
- How has the series weathered the pandemic storm and what is the commercial outlook for the series as we start the new season?
- What prompted the decision to go hybrid in 2022 as the new direction for the series?
- How is WRC Promoter looking to incorporate FIA WRX into its portfolio and what opportunities does this open to both series?
