VALENCIA EMERGES AS POSSIBLE HOST FOR JOINT MOTOGP AND WORLDSBK WEEKEND

Liberty Media may be considering a joint MotoGP and WorldSBK race weekend, with Valencia emerging as a possible host, according to a report by Motosprint cited by MotoGP News. The company completed its acquisition of both championships last summer, prompting speculation about ways to bring them together. A combined event would be a separate possibility from the previously discussed idea of staging Formula 1 and MotoGP at the same venue.

The reported first step could be a shared test involving MotoGP and WorldSBK machinery, before any full race-weekend plan. Fitting both championships onto one three-day schedule would be difficult: MotoGP’s programme includes Moto2 and Moto3, while WorldSBK brings World Supersport and World Sportbike. The report notes that possible reductions to Moto2 and Moto3 calendars—from every MotoGP round to roughly 15 or 16—could create room for a crossover event.

Several circuits appear to be potential candidates. WorldSBK is due to visit five venues also used by MotoGP next year: Portimao, Valencia, Assen, Aragon and Misano. Valencia is attracting particular attention, with rumours identifying it as a possible choice. The Ricardo Tormo circuit returns to the WorldSBK calendar in 2027 after a 17-year absence.

Thailand and China have also been considered, but would present additional complications. MotoGP is expected to return to Shanghai eventually, though not before 2028, while WorldSBK has not raced at Buriram since 2019.

The format remains unresolved. MotoGP’s new schedule requires space for three qualifying sessions and five races, making it unclear how the two series could fit their programmes together. A shared weekend might bring more spectators and ticket sales to a circuit such as Valencia, while WorldSBK could gain exposure from MotoGP’s larger profile. But the proposal could also raise concerns about the lower classes being pushed aside, and some WorldSBK teams or fans may resist the championship being treated as a support series.

MotoGP teams have recently used WorldSBK riders Somkiat Chantra, Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona as stand-ins in the premier class. Those appearances, however, have not displaced the riders from their regular employers.