With a record-breaking 21 races on the calendar, the 2022 MotoGP season is set to be the global motorcycling series’ longest ever.
This year is expected to be a smoother ride for MotoGP as the world continues its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, that does not mean there won’t be new challenges, with the series scheduled to return to circuits in Indonesia and Finland for the first time in 24 years and 39 years, respectively.
There has also been a reshuffle of some of the teams ahead of the new season. Gresini and Aprilia have parted ways, forming Aprilia Racing and Gresini Racing MotoGP as two independent teams.
Additionally, Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team have taken over the grid slots previously held by Esponsorama Racing, who are leaving MotoGP’s premier class after ten seasons.
MotoGP will make a return to Indonesia for the first time in 24 years
MotoGP also enters the 2022 season with increased visibility through a new docuseries on Amazon Prime Video. Filmed across the 2021 season, the documentary will take a behind-the-scenes look at MotoGP, covering everything from team meetings to the sporting and personal side of the championship.
MotoGP will be hoping that the docuseries will have the same impact as Netflix's Drive to Survive, which documents the Formula One paddock and has been hugely successful in helping the championship reach new fans.
“The close collaboration between all parties, and this project with Mediapro and Prime Video, more than ensures that it will be a success,” said Manel Arroyo, chief commercial officer at MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports.
“The help of the six manufacturers, the teams and the riders will help us see and enjoy so many things that, until now, have remained behind closed doors, creating a product that will live up to the impressive quality and experience of their previous productions and documentaries.”
The moment all #MotoGP fans around the world have been waiting for ��
Don't miss #MotoGPUnlimited, out March 14th ��@PrimeVideoES | @themdpstudio pic.twitter.com/PLC64I1O3o
— MotoGP™�� (@MotoGP) February 16, 2022
Elsewhere on the media front, MotoGP has a new home in the Netherlands, where it is making the switch from Eurosport over to Ziggo Sport for the next three seasons. Dorna has also recently struck a deal with Eclat Media Group covering 15 territories across Asia, while multi-year renewals have been struck with Sky Italia, Canal+ in France, Sport TV in Portugal and Foxtel in Australia.
Meanwhile, MotoGP is set to offer a premium tier of hospitality experiences from 2022 through a partnership struck with QuintEvents. New experiences will include tailormade weekends in the MotoGP VIP Village, as well as a grandstand ticket that comes with additional experiences.
With the new season set to begin in Qatar on 6th March, BlackBook Motorsport provides its annual rundown of all the commercial details you need to know ahead of the 2022 MotoGP campaign.
Teams
Aprilia Racing
Chief executive: Massimo Rivola
Base: Noale, Italy
Constructor: Aprilia
Sponsors: Castrol, Came, Sky Wifi, Case HI, Marsh, Kaspersky, Manpower Group, FPT Powertrain Technologies, Pan Compositi, SC Project, Dellorto, PBR, Porch, RCB, Sprint Filter, Beta, Sharebot, Regina Chain, CIMA, Capit, Michelin, Italian Gesture, Ixon, Oakley, 2!
What they’ve been up to: Aprilia enters the 2022 MotoGP campaign as an official factory team for the first time since 2004, having previously competed in partnership with Gresini Racing.
Aprilia has separated from Gresini Racing ahead of the 2022 season
Ducati Lenovo Team
General manager: Luigi Dall'Igna
Base: Bologna, Italy
Constructor: Ducati
Title partner: Lenovo
Sponsors: NetApp, Shell, Riello, UnipolSai, Akrapovic, Aruba.it, AutoGrill, Bancomat Pay, Bosch, Carrera, Contadi Castaldi, Daiko, Diadora, Esaote, Flex-Box, FrecciaRossa, Givi, Amaro Montenegro, Motorola, Q1 Premium Masking Solutions, Randstad, Sira Industrie
Suppliers: AVL Racing, Beta, Cobo Group, D.I.D, Racing Domino, Mahle, Marelli, Mechinno, Michelin, NGK Spark Plugs, Reflexallen, Roboze, Siemens, SKF, Streparava, Tecno Elettra, Thermal Technology, Vargroup
What they’ve been up to: The team has retained Lenovo as its title sponsor for the second year in a row. Additionally, Ducati Lenovo have announced a new partnership with eyewear brand Carrera, which is set to last for four years, and will see the creation of a new co-branded range of sunglasses and optical frames.
Lenovo is set to continue its title sponsorship with the team for 2022
Gresini Racing
Team principal and owner: Nadia Padovani
Base: Faenza, Italy
Constructor: Ducati
Sponsors: Federal Oil, Aspira, Kapriol, Oli, Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, Antangin, Bacio Della Luna, Bold Riders, You-All, Battipav, Gianneschi, Risposta, Unibat
Suppliers: Akrapovic, Berner, FGR, Ixon, Michelin, Moto-Tron Racing, Uma Racing, Wheelup
What they’ve been up to: Gresini have split from a previous agreement with Aprilia to run their own team in MotoGP alongside their Moto3 and MotoE campaigns. 2021 was a challenging year for the organisation, as team manager Fausto Gresini passed away in February following a two-month battle with Covid-19. His wife, Nadia Padovani, has taken on the role. Ahead of the upcoming season, the team has secured a new partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, which will place its ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ stamp on Gresini Racing’s motorcycle.
After a challenging 2021 season, Gresini Racing is looking ahead to 2022
LCR Team
Team principal: Lucio Cecchinello
Base: Monte Carlo
Constructor: Honda
Sponsors: Givi, Sifi, Rizoma, Agos, Lavor, Comet, Draco, Michelin, Sena, Dellorto, CMS, Viar, Red Bull, Fourteam, Custom, Flow-Meter, Estrella Galicia, Frentubo
Suppliers: Honda, HRC, Special Impianti, Ohlins, Arrow, D.I.D, Hevik, PBR, Piolanti Truck, OZ Racing, Progrip, Bacco, Arrow, Olymp Trade, Caffe Milano, Miimo, NGK Spark Plugs
What they’ve been up to: The LCR Team is set to remain in the series until the end of 2026 after signing a deal with Dorna Sports and the International Race Teams Association.
Fans of LCR will be pleased to see the team on the MotoGP grid until at least 2026
Monster Energy Yamaha
Team principal: Lin Jarvis
Base: Lesmo, Italy
Constructor: Yamaha
Title partner: Monster Energy
Sponsors: Eneos Motor Oil, Blue Core, Yamalube, Akrapovic, Semakin Di Depan, Mio, MSI, Yamaha Thailand, Oakley, AlpineStars, VR46 Racing Apparel, Blu Cru, Gilles, RCB, Furukawa Electric, Debem, Tanida, D.I.D, NGK Spark Plugs, BMC Air Filter, Pont Grup, Capit, 2D, Beta, Axalta, Yamaha, Michelin
Partners: AlpineStars, Siemens, BLS, Beta, Gom, RCm, Toyota, 3M Peltor, Parkin Go, Flex, SynLab, Airbank
What they’ve been up to: The team has picked up a new deal with BLS, which will supply Monster Energy Yamaha with protective face masks during the season. The team also adds MSI, Debem, Tanida, Pont Grup, Capit and Axalta to its sponsorship portfolio for 2022.
BLS is set to supply the team with protective face masks for the 2022 season
Mooney VR46 Racing Team
Team manager: Pablo Nieto
Base: Tavullia, Italy
Constructor: Ducati
Title partner: Mooney
Sponsors: Monster Energy, Fassi, Bardahl, FlyMe To
Suppliers: AlpineStars, Cupra, D.I.D, Beta, KYT, Agu, RCB, BST, Dunlop, Iveco, Akrapovic
What they’ve been up to: Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team is now competing independently in MotoGP for 2022. The team has secured a deal with Ducati to use its machinery until the end of 2024 at the earliest and also locked in banking company Mooney as its title sponsor. Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco was originally expected to be the team’s title sponsor from 2022 until 2026 after it was confirmed by Rossi, yet the deal was denied by Aramco in a statement to Autosport.
Armed with new sponsorship from Mooney, VR46 is ready to take on the 2022 season
Pramac Racing
Team principal: Paolo Campinoti
Base: Blaenau Gwent, Wales
Constructor: Ducati
Title partner: Pramac
Sponsors: Fiamm, Octo, Generac, Motul, Akrapovic, Wallife, Michelin, Randstad, Confremar, Sun Energy 1, WD-40, Kyrrex, Havas Sports and Entertainment, Ixon, 100%
Suppliers: Beta, Sprint Filter, CNC Racing, Accossato, Afam, Flex, WRS, Aon, Cecchi, Cirfood, Birra Baladin, Marcello, La Marchesine, Diba
What they’ve been up to: 2021 was a year to remember for Pramac Racing, who secured eight podiums and one victory, winning the Best Independent Teams’ Championship for the season. The team has now undergone a management reshuffle, with former team manager Francesco Guidotti being replaced with Claudio Calabresi.
Pramac Racing is hoping for another successful season this year
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
Director: Pit Beirer
Base: Munderfing, Austria
Constructor: KTM
Title partner: Red Bull
Key partners: KTM
Suppliers: Akrapovic, Elf, Michelin, Shark, Cofidis, Motorex
What they’ve been up to: 2022 marks Red Bull KTM’s sixth season on the MotoGP grid. In preparation, the team has appointed Francesco Guidotti as its new manager, who brings experience from his time at Pramac Racing, following the departure of Mike Leitner.
Repsol Honda
Team principal: Alberto Puig
Base: Aalst, Belgium
Constructor: Honda
Title partner: Repsol
Sponsors: Red Bull, Astra Honda Motor, Honda Vietnam, Estrella Galicia 0.0, SC-Project, Shindengen, Yutaka Giken, RK Japan, GS Yuasa, AlpineStars, Asics, NGK Spark Plugs, Oakley, Puig, RCB, PWR, Snap-On, Iveco, Michelin, Uchino, Pull and Bear
What they’ve been up to: Despite difficulties during the 2021 season, Repsol Honda welcomed the return of star rider Marc Marquez following his absence due to injury. The new 2022 season also marks the 28th year of collaboration between Honda and title partner Repsol, who have worked together since 1995.
Following difficulties in 2021, Marquez has made a return
Team Suzuki Ecstar
Team manager: Livio Suppo
Base: Milan, Italy
Constructor: Suzuki
Title partner: Ecstar
Sponsors: Monster Energy, Estrella Galicia 0.0, Motul, Akrapovic, Michelin, NGK Spark Plugs, 2D, Carbon Tras, Beta, Taichi, D.I.D
What they’ve been up to: Following a difficult 2021 campaign, Suzuki Ecstar recently named seasoned MotoGP figure Livio Suppo as their new team manager.
Tech3 KTM Factory Racing
Team principal: Hervé Poncharal
Base: Bormes Les Mimosas, France
Constructor: KTM
Sponsors: KTM, Elf, Michelin, Capit, Akrapovic, WP, Pankl Racing Systems, Blinker Professional Components, Caffe Giacomelli, AlpineStars, Binocle Eyewear, Premium Sproket
What they’ve been up to: For 2022, the team is aiming to chase its third successive year of earning at least one race win. Those efforts will be bolstered by the addition of Fabiano Sterlacchini, who has joined the KTM as MotoGP technical director.
The team will be chasing another season of victories in 2022
WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team
Team principal: Razlan Razali
Base: Sepang, Malaysia
Constructor: Yamaha
Title sponsor: WithU
Sponsors: Yamaha, Green Power, GPNFTS, Barracuda, RNF Racing, RCB, Telcowin, WRS, IXON, KYT, Akrapovic, Beta, Airdry, Caffe Giacomelli, Lang Gruppe, Lotus
What they’ve been up to: RNF MotoGP Racing used to operate under the name ‘Sepang Racing Team’. However, during 2021, the team’s title sponsor Petronas removed its backing and the team announced it would cease all racing operations at the end of the season. However, the team’s assets were seized by Razali and Johan Stigefelt, who created the rebranded team now set to race in the series until 2026.
Despite some financial difficulties at the end of 2021, the team is back for the new season
Partners
Series sponsors
Official timekeeper: Tissot
Official tyre: Michelin
Official car: BMW
Official beer: Singha
Official logistics partner: DHL
Official fan token and cryptocurrency partner: Bitci
Race title sponsors
Grand Prix of Indonesia: Pertamina
Grand Prix of Argentina: Michelin
Grand Prix of the Americas: Red Bull
Grand Prix of France: Shark
Italian Grand Prix: Oakley
British Grand Prix: Monster Energy
Grand Prix Deutschland: Liqui Moly
Grand Prix of Japan: Motul
Suppliers
Oakley, AlpineStars, Yamaha, Vislink, Marelli, Tata Communications, CashBack World, Kenwood, Quiron Salud, Enel, Prosecco DOC, Lenovo
Service providers
AMG, Gam Rentals, Audio-Technica, Hertz
Broadcast partners
Africa and Middle East
MENA: BeIN Sports
Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport, Canal+
Asia
Republic of Korea, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Hong Kong, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand: SPOTV
China: Guangdong Television, Zhibo.tv
Indian subcontinent: Eurosport
Indonesia: Trans 7, SPOTV (pay-TV)
Israel: Sport 5
Japan: G+, Nippon TV, Hulu
Thailand: PPTV
Vietnam: K+
Oceania
Australia: Fox Sports
New Zealand: Spark Sport
North America and Caribbean
Canada: REV TV Canada
Caribbean: ESPN
United States: NBC Sports
Europe
Albania: RTSH
Andorra, Spain: DAZN
Austria, Germany: ServusTV, DAZN
Belgium: RTBF
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia: Sport Klub
Bulgaria: Max Sport
Czech Republic, Slovakia: Nova Sport
Cyprus: Cytavision Sports
Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania: TV3 Sport
France: Canal+
Georgia: Silk Sport
Greece: Cosmote Sport
Hungary: Arena4
Italy: Sky Italia
Kosovo: Art Sport
Liechtenstein: SRG SSR
Luxembourg: RTL Play
Malta: Total Sports Network
Netherlands: Ziggo Sport
Norway, Sweden: Viasat Motor
Poland: Polsat Sport
Portugal: Sport TV
Romania: Digi Sport, Look Sport
Russia: Motorsport.tv
San Marino: Sky Sport, DAZN, TV8
Slovenia: Kanal A
Switzerland: SRG SSR, DAZN, Canal+
Turkey: S Sport
United Kingdom and Ireland: BT Sport
South America
Brazil: ESPN
Latin America: ESPN
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