There were several drivers, such as Aleix or Rins, in addition to many other team leaders, who criticized during the 2022 season the performance of the Panel of Commissioners directed by Freddie Spencer. The American was surely one of the most pointed out and questioned figures during the past academic year, but the World Cup has decided to rely on his judge and in a note distributed by the FIM, where the changes in the list of positions and permanent organizations for 2023 are communicated, the name of the three-time champion will continue in a position that maintains its highest representative. So he has decided Permanent Bureau, made up of the federation and Dorna, basing their decision on the experience of a “cohesive team” with which they intend to ensure “another year of sporting success for MotoGP”.
The fact that the most questioned figure has continuity in his position may lead one to think about why the World Cup has decided to move chips and sprint Saturdays, together with the growth of the calendar to 21 grand prix, are the answer. It is planned that in the 2023 MotoGP season a total of 42 races are held, so the best solution for the championship has been divide the responsibilities of the position of Race Director. Therefore Mike Webb, who until now held that position in all categories (he began to do so in 2012), will continue to be responsible for the race but exclusively for MotoGP, with the support of the Spanish Tomé Alfonso, as representative of the FIM, and Loris Capirossi, as representative of Dorna.
The most experienced figure bears the maximum responsibility while Graham Webber, until now deputy director, will deal with the same work in Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE. It will also address the electric motorcycles that will accompany the World Cup in certain grand prix, while other categories that share appointments with the World Cup such as Red Bull Rookies Cup and the Talent Cups, they will keep George Massaro in the post. From the Permanent Bureau are convinced that each of the representatives will contribute “his specialized knowledge to their respective categories”, to continue ensuring the success of a championship that is renewed… but not much.