Simoncelli warns Moto2 and Moto3 are fading
Sic58 team boss Paolo Simoncelli criticizes the declining visibility of Moto2 and Moto3, arguing that poor TV coverage and paddock segregation risk erasing
Paolo Simoncelli says the Moto2 and Moto3 classes are becoming "increasingly invisible." The Sic58 Squadra Corse team owner issued the warning in a blog post following the Aragon Grand Prix weekend.
Simoncelli argues that the sport's support classes are being systematically marginalized. He believes this diminishes not only the current racing but also the sport's rich history.
A critique of television coverage
Simoncelli pointed to the recent Moto3 race as an example. He described the racing as "incredibly exciting" with close battles. Yet he claims the television director focused only on the leading four riders. This happened even when the action at the front had stalled. Meanwhile, a fierce fight involving six or seven riders just three seconds behind was ignored.
"It feels like they're trying to hide the most exciting part of these categories," Simoncelli wrote. He sees a pattern of less attention, less social media space, and less storytelling for Moto2 and Moto3. The categories are treated, he suggests, "like something that should be put away."
The risk to racing history
The veteran team boss worries about the long-term impact. He fears that devaluing the junior categories also devalues their champions. Legends like Ángel Nieto, Sito Pons, and Max Biaggi built their reputations in what are now Moto2 and Moto3's predecessor classes.
Simoncelli questions the message this sends. "Today, when I think about how we want to teach this sport to children, making them believe that MotoGP is the only thing that really matters, it makes me smile," he wrote. He acknowledges a premier class title holds greater value. But stripping all value from the support classes, he argues, leaves the sport's history hollow.
"First, you take away space from smaller categories, then you take away value from their champions," Simoncelli stated. "If you keep taking away, you risk losing important pieces of history."
The Titanic comparison and a call for support
Simoncelli used a stark metaphor to describe the growing divide in the paddock. He said Moto2 and Moto3 teams are being isolated "like plague victims." He compared the situation to the class system on the RMS Titanic.
"Like the first and third class on the Titanic," he wrote. "We only hope that someone remembers that, in the end, on the Titanic, they all went down."
His solution involves better financial support. He suggests more funding would allow Moto2 and Moto3 teams to grow and reach a higher level. This would improve the spectacle for everyone. Simoncelli also emphasized the risks these riders take. They compete on fast bikes with little room for error, driven by youthful hunger. "The asphalt is the same for everyone," he noted.
Finally, Simoncelli questioned the commercial logic. He asked how the sport can hope to rival Formula 1's audience numbers by showcasing only a 40-minute MotoGP race. Fans, he insists, come for the entire motorcycling weekend-for all the categories, stories, and battles that create passion.
