Inside MXGP: Industry Perspectives | Jacky Martens – “We need more opportunities for partners”

Jacky Martens, owner of the Fantic MXGP team and former Belgian world champion, has emphasised the need for enhanced opportunities for sponsors and partners within the MXGP championship. Speaking candidly about the financial realities facing his team, Martens highlighted that the current system offers limited access for partners to attend Grands Prix, with only a small number of complimentary passes available. He argues that this restricts the ability to build meaningful relationships with sponsors, which are vital for securing and maintaining the substantial budgets required to compete at the highest level. Martens explained that his team relies entirely on funding from a network of around 75 sponsors, with an annual budget increase of approximately 20% necessary to keep pace with rising costs. The limited number of free passes—typically 12 per event—forces difficult decisions about which partners can attend, undermining the emotional connection that is crucial for long-term support. He pointed out that charging sponsors for entry would be counterproductive, as it would eat into the very budgets they provide, making it impossible to sustain the team’s operations and growth. The Fantic team principal also drew attention to the broader economic challenges facing MXGP teams, including decreasing sponsorship budgets and escalating expenses, particularly for overseas events. Martens suggested that MXGP could learn from MotoGP’s approach, where high-profile teams leverage their exposure to attract major global sponsors. He believes that expanding access for partners to attend races would allow teams to offer a richer experience, fostering loyalty and encouraging greater investment in the sport. Beyond sponsorship issues, Martens called for improvements in the organisation and infrastructure of MXGP events. He advocated for a more structured paddock layout, with clearly defined space allocations for teams, akin to MotoGP standards. This, he argued, would not only enhance operational efficiency but also improve hospitality and partner engagement, supporting the championship’s commercial development and long-term sustainability.