Around the world at full speed

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The MotoGP™ – that’s 18 Grand Prix races in 14 countries on four continents. And since 2015, DHL has been the logistics partner to ensure that all the equipment gets to where it is needed on time. Four cargo planes, 150 cargo containers (unit load devices, ULD), up to 15 trucks, nearly 90,000 kilometres of air routes – great events are often foreshadowed. The MotoGP™ is one of the biggest events in the world of motorsports – and the oldest World Championship of its kind. A core team of around 30 DHL specialists ensures that this global project always runs smoothly. It ensures that racing bikes, tires, spare parts and pit lane equipment are in the right place at the right time. Ten routes between locations in Europe and overseas have to be served. Local teams on site and selected partners support the core team on Grand Prix weekends. The organization, coordination and monitoring of all logistics processes, as well as important additional services, such as sorting out customs formalities and the handling of sensitive goods, such as fuels or expensive small parts, are also included in the scope of tasks. For the first time, DHL will also take on the paddock services for all races this year. These “paddock services” include transports for MotoGP™ suppliers, such as the manufacturers of tires, protective clothing or brakes. In addition to the support during the actual racing season, DHL also provides its logistics services for the winter tests. The training usually begins in February in Sepang, Malaysia as well as Losail, Qatar. DHL is responsible for the transport of the necessary equipment. This usually fills an entire charter flight using a Boeing 747 or 777. “Logistics for the MotoGP™ is like playing Tetris under substantial pressure“, explains Vincenzo Scrudato, DHL Trade Fairs & Events. The stopwatch starts ticking ten days before the race with the stowage of the cargo in temperature controlled boxes or containers – depending on the requirements and time of year. Upon arrival at the destination airport, DHL then monitors the local forwarding agents and ensures that everything finds its way to the right pits, garages, and service locations. Once the race is over, the crew takes everything out of the pit lane and packs all the equipment up again within 36 hours from Sunday to Monday. The cargo planes then take off again in time slots that are six hours apart. The DHL team always travels to the next circuit together with the cargo, because as they say: after the race is before the race, and every hour counts.