New Dorna CCO Dan Rossomondo believes MotoGP can rival F1

Dorna Sports’ new commercial director Dan Rossomondo can see a future where MotoGP can rival, if not “be better” than Formula 1.

Rossomondo has recently jumped into the role previously filled by Manel Arroyo and was present at the recent Americas Grand Prix at Texas.

MotoGP is looking for a boost of popularity having lost ground in recent years following the retirement of megastar Valentino Rossi.

Much like Formula 1 did with the arrival of the US based Liberty Media, which has boosted the category’s fan following to unprecedented levels, MotoGP has also turned to America.

Dorna’s new CCO Rossomondo has arrived at the premier class of two-wheel racing after a stint as vice president of global sponsorship and media for the NBA, which has soared in popularity in Australia.

In his first few weeks in MotoGP, Rossomondo saw potential in the category.

He has outlined ambitions of propelling the sport to the top of the motorsport pecking order alongside or even above Formula 1.

“It means a lot that MotoGP has believed in me,” he told Autosport.

“I think we (MotoGP) can be as good as they (Formula 1) are, if not better and I think we can also be different.

“We can be uniquely MotoGP.”

Rossomondo even admitted he is prepared to “steal ideas” from Formula 1, which does sponsor the Pramac Ducati team with its logo placed on both of the team’s bikes tail units.

“We will steal some ideas from them (Formula 1),” he further explained to Autosport.

“We are not afraid to steal the good ideas, but we will have our own good ideas and hopefully they steal some from us.”

Rossomondo’s appointment is the latest part of MotoGP’s push for greater relevance, with Saturday Sprints introduced at all 21 Grands Prix in 2023.

One of the American’s biggest dreams is to keep the category at front of mind in the motorsport world 365 days of the year, even when there is no racing.

Rossomondo has seen how NBA and other major American codes have overcome this challenge and believes it can be done in the MotoGP world.

“I want a competition that is relevant when there is no Grand Prix,” he said.

“I am looking to keep people engaged all year round, not just at the races.

“Like the NFL which has 18 busy weekends in the regular season, but they get to be relevant throughout the year.

“If there is one thing the NBA does better than anyone else it is storytelling.

“If they believe in something, they will make it exist.”

The next MotoGP race is at Jerez, where the sport has never struggled for popularity on April 28-30.

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