Grapevine: MotoGP to have exclusive paddock

The idea to create an exclusive paddock, similar to Formula One's, was floated in April at a meeting of MotoGP teams in Barcelona before the Turkish Grand Prix.

The inner paddock is seen as a way of enhancing the MotoGP teams' offers to sponsors, compared to what 250cc and 125cc teams - with less budget and less coverage - can to offer their backers.

Permanent pass holders and MotoGP guests with a special pass will have sole access to the area, which will be surrounded by a two-metre high solid fence that will be constructed for 'privacy' around the perimeter.

"Anyone with a permanent pass will get in," IRTA secretary Mike Trimby told autosport.com. "Guest passes will only be given to MotoGP teams, because by definition there are only MotoGP teams in there.

"It is adding something to the value of sponsoring a MotoGP team, by sponsors having a special area to go to.

"That's the reason for doing it when sponsors are putting significant monies, whereas at present they have no advantage over a smaller sponsor of a smaller team. There will be no scooters and no bicycles either.

"Next year, maybe we will have team owners only allowed in there together with press and of course MotoGP permanent pass holders."

The infrastructure used in Estoril will not be the final choice for what is going to be used next season, while it remains to be seen if it will be used at the final race of the season in Valencia.

It will not be used at any of the flyaway races in Japan, Australia and Malaysia as there are no motorhomes present as there are at European races.