A former MotoGP champion's scathing review of the sport's current state: 'It's not thrilling anymore'
Marco Melandri, a five-time MotoGP race winner, has issued a scathing assessment of the current state of the championship, stating that it "doesn't excite me much." Melandri, a former 250cc world champion, raced in MotoGP from 2003 to 2010, riding for Yamaha, Honda, Ducati, and Kawasaki.
His first premier-class victory came in 2005 on a Honda, and he went on to win twice that year, finishing second in the standings. He added three more wins in 2006. However, Melandri's career took a turn when he moved to World Superbikes in 2011, making a brief return to MotoGP in 2015 with Aprilia.
Despite his desire to stay in MotoGP, he was replaced after just eight rounds, highlighting the challenges faced by riders in the current era. The sport is currently in its final year under the current regulations, which have been criticized for reducing overtaking opportunities due to aero development and ride height devices.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Melandri expressed his disappointment with the current state of MotoGP. He stated, "It's not that I really like making comparisons, but today's races don't excite me much. It's evident that the 2006 races are often showcased on social media and YouTube because there were three or four riders within a second. That level of competition is no longer possible due to the current speed and rules."
Looking ahead, MotoGP plans to introduce 850cc engines, ban ride height devices, and restrict aero components from 2027, aiming to enhance safety and the on-track spectacle. However, these changes have already faced criticism, with Casey Stoner arguing that they don't go far enough. Melandri also revealed his biggest career regret: "I would have liked to be Valentino [Rossi's] teammate. We've been friends since childhood, and I've always been competitive with him."
This interview provides a fascinating insight into the thoughts of a former champion who has witnessed the sport's evolution, leaving readers with a thought-provoking question: Is MotoGP losing its edge?
