ZEELENBERG SAYS TRACKHOUSE DEPARTURE WAS NOT A HAPPY ENDING

Wilco Zeelenberg has stepped away from the MotoGP team-management world after decades in the paddock, and says he has little desire to return. The 60-year-old Dutchman is now working as a television expert for Ziggo Sport while also advising young riders on career decisions.

Zeelenberg’s racing career included a 250cc Grand Prix victory at Hockenheim in 1990. It remains the most recent win by a Dutch rider in the intermediate world championship class. After his final race, in the 2000 Supersport World Championship, he worked for Yamaha Europe. He later joined Yamaha’s MotoGP factory team as manager in 2010, working with Jorge Lorenzo and, subsequently, Maverick Viñales. His later roles included the Petronas Yamaha satellite operation and Trackhouse Racing.

His time at Trackhouse ended in late 2023, following Davide Brivio’s arrival. Looking back, Zeelenberg said: “The end here wasn’t really nice.” He has since undergone heart surgery in June and returned to work as a TV analyst, sharing duties with fellow Dutch experts including Barry Veneman.

Zeelenberg said he has “no real ambitions” to take another team job. “For a long time, my whole life, all year round, was MotoGP,” he said, noting that he has been part of the paddock since 1985. Ziggo’s team will cover the upcoming Asian rounds from its Hilversum studio rather than travelling. That suits him: the studio is about 30 minutes from home. The broadcaster attends between 10 and 12 races in person each year.

Away from television, Zeelenberg helps young riders and their families plan careers and consider their next steps. His contacts in Spain and Italy, including talent manager Emilio Alzamora, can help him connect prospects with opportunities. He has no comeback plans; meanwhile, former team manager Francesco Guidotti has returned to the role at Trackhouse after a stint as a TV analyst.