Former F1 crew principal Christian Horner was seen on the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, attending his first MotoGP occasion since 2005.
Horner, who attended as a visitor of MotoGP Sports activities Leisure Group (previously Dorna Sports activities), was additionally seen having dinner with the corporate’s CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, on Friday night time.
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Horner’s look comes after he departed from Purple Bull Racing. Whereas he has been linked to varied roles inside Components 1, nothing has materialised thus far. Martin Brundle just lately talked about MotoGP as a possible subsequent step for him.
Following his exit from Purple Bull Racing, Horner has been in talks with a number of F1 groups a couple of potential return. His look at Jerez this weekend has added to hypothesis about his plans.
Picture by Kym Illman/Getty Photos
Christian Horner says he sees F1 and MotoGP rising nearer after Jerez journey
Talking to MotoGP’s Jack Appleyard contained in the paddock at Jerez, Horner mirrored on how a lot the game had modified since he final attended a race almost 20 years in the past.
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“The sequence is underneath new administration, the identical as Components 1, and it’s nice to see the motorbikes and observe how they’ve developed,” he stated by way of Speedweek. “I believe the final time I used to be at a MotoGP race was in Estoril in 2005, so it’s been some time.
“I believe it’s a extremely attention-grabbing time for MotoGP. It, too, goes by means of a section of change underneath new possession. That’s why I needed to come back right here and see for myself.”
The 52-year-old didn’t give something away however did level out that there are actually extra connections between F1 and MotoGP with Liberty Media concerned in each sports activities.
He added: “They’re nice races, it’s an ideal present. The riders are unimaginable, the bikes are unimaginable. It’s solely whenever you see it stay that you just recognize simply how insane these machines are. I imagine this sport has a lot to supply.
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“Hopefully, the folks at Liberty can profit from their expertise in Components 1. I do know that Stefano Domenicali may be very dedicated – I’m right here with him immediately. There are positive to be some synergy results there.”
Is Christian Horner contemplating a transfer into MotoGP?
Horner nonetheless seems centered on discovering a approach again into Components 1, however the opportunity of switching to MotoGP hasn’t been dominated out.
But when an F1 return doesn’t materialise, there’s at all times the chance he might comply with in Guenther Steiner’s footsteps. Steiner made the change from F1 to MotoGP by shopping for Tech3 from Herve Poncharal final season, with plans to show them right into a aggressive outfit.
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For now, although, Horner stays dedicated to returning to F1 and believes his finest path ahead is thru crew possession somewhat than taking over an ordinary function inside an organisation. That mindset might ultimately lead him in the direction of MotoGP crew possession down the road.
Everybody within the paddock didn’t precisely welcome Steiner’s transfer at first, so it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how followers may reply if Horner decides to make an analogous transition.
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