MotoGP set for Formula 1 debut: Austin as a test for big plans?

The idea is not new, but it could now become a reality for the first time: according to information from Motorsport.com, Liberty Media is planning a MotoGP demonstration run as part of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin at the end of October. Although there won’t be a joint race event just yet, the demonstration run could still be an important step towards closer integration of the two premier series.

The plan is for several MotoGP prototypes to complete demonstration laps on the Circuit of the Americas during the Formula 1 weekend. However, regular riders will not be taking part, as the Australian MotoGP Grand Prix is taking place at Phillip Island on the same weekend.

Instead, former riders or brand ambassadors are set to ride the so-called ‘showbikes’ – fully functional MotoGP motorbikes provided specifically for promotional appearances.

The first steps are being taken

Ever since Liberty Media took over MotoGP, there has been repeated speculation in the paddock about closer collaboration with Formula 1. The potential appearance in Austin would be the first concrete step in implementing this strategy and is intended, above all, to help introduce MotoGP to a new audience in the important US market.

In the long term, however, the vision extends much further. For years now, there have been discussions about having MotoGP and Formula 1 compete on the same circuit on selected weekends. As early as 2023, Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta spoke to SPEEDWEEK.com about the idea of integrating three or four joint major events per season into the calendar as a sort of ‘Grand Slam’.

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This idea has also met with widespread approval in the MotoGP paddock. KTM’s head of motorsport, Pit Beirer, made it clear back in September 2025 in an interview with SPEEDWEEK.com that this desire is by no means new. “A mega-highlight like that would certainly be cool,” said Beirer. “We’ve been hoping for this from the paddock for a while now – for example, that both series could race in Qatar, where there isn’t all that much going on anyway. It’s already been discussed in the paddock, but there’s been no official enquiry from Liberty so far. For now, let’s give them a chance to present the plan they have in mind for us. We’re keen to see what ideas Liberty, together with Dorna, has for growing and improving the sport. We’re ready to go along with it.”

Why implementation is so difficult

Despite the euphoria, the challenges are considerable. Worldwide, there are only a few circuits that would be suitable for a double-header in terms of both infrastructure and safety. Added to this are differing requirements regarding kerbs, run-off areas and pit facilities, as well as the enormous event fees for both world championships.

For Beirer, however, a joint race weekend would still be a milestone for motorcycling. “For me, that would be a personal highlight,” emphasised the KTM racing boss. “We have lots of friends in the Formula 1 paddock, but unfortunately, with our calendar, we never have time to look over to the other side. I’d think that was cool; we want to take MotoGP to the next level. If MotoGP can generate even remotely the same level of excitement as Formula 1, then we all need to pull together to make that happen.”

It remains to be seen whether Austin will actually herald a joint Grand Prix weekend. The planned demonstration run would initially be primarily symbolic – but could at the same time highlight the potential of a closer link between the world’s two biggest racing series.