F1
Classic liveries in MotoGP: a concept that F1 must borrow?
© MotoGP
To celebrate its 75th anniversary in the best possible way, the MotoGP had the very good idea of bringing his past back to life. The opportunity for fans, old and new, to let themselves be taken on a journey through time.
When the season resumed a few days ago at Silverstone, all the teams had the mission to play the game by driving (only on Sundays) with liveries reminiscent of the finest hours of the motorcycle speed championship. . Ducati gave a nod to the Desmosedici GP3, used for the brand's debut in MotoGP in 2003. For its part, Yamaha brought out white and red, the colors seen during the Japanese manufacturer's first appearance in premier category in 1961, and who then made the legend of Jarno Saarinen and Giacomo Agostini. An initiative which delighted those involved in the paddock in the British region, especially since they were all revealed ahead of the weekend with the presence of spectators.
« What show ! rejoiced Massimo Meregalli, director of Yamaha. If MotoGP fans were impatient for the race, they will be more now! We are very satisfied with the result of our livery. "" It was a very pleasant event, outbid fabio quartararo. The bike is beautiful (…) I think the fans enjoyed this event because it's something different and exciting."
F1 in retro mode?
The success was even greater when the bikes took to the track on Sunday for the Warm-Up and then the Grand Prix. And inevitably, this pushed some fans to demand that other disciplines do the same. For example, the Formula 1.
Few in number a few years ago, due among other things to the regulation requiring a livery change to be submitted to the commission and unanimous validation, special liveries have multiplied since Liberty Media took power in 2017. Mercedes had celebrated its 125th anniversary with a white livery in Germany in 2019, Ferrari his 1000th Grand Prix in F1 at Mugello with a burgundy dress in 2020 or even McLaren brought out the Gulf colors in Monaco in 2021, before doing it again with a “Triple Crown” livery in 2023 also on the Rock.
Mercedes livery at the 2019 German Grand Prix. © Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
The McLaren livery at the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix. © Florent Gooden / DPPI
Unfortunately, these are limited to specific meetings and not all teams play the game. While it will also celebrate its 75th anniversary next year, Formula 1 could take inspiration from MotoGP, recently acquired by Liberty Media, the same owner as… F1. There NASCAR is also a fan of this type of concept with an annual meeting at Darlington, one of its historic circuits, where teams are free to pay tribute to whoever they want.
One thing is certain, F1 should take inspiration from it in the future, perhaps in Monaco, its emblematic Grand Prix, or at Silverstone, where it all began in 1950, to salute its history and above all mark the occasion. And if successful, why not introduce it for subsequent seasons.
Gonzalo Forbes
In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
12/08/2024 at 07:38 a.m.
An excellent idea but rather unsuitable for the "young" Nutellhaas, Steakicksauber as well as the Red Bull / Ridiculous Bull duo! That being said, Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, Mercedes and Alpine have already more or less used it but why not give the teams free rein to do it when they wish... just to better differentiate from F1 cars all drawn by computer!