MotoGP features the elite of speed motorcycle racing, with the world’s 22 best riders competing head-to-head. In recent years there has been a clear decline in popularity, with a decrease in both track audiences and television audiences.
Dorna is trying to counter this trend by bringing the main category closer to the fans, offering a different spectacle both on and off the track – such as the introduction of the new Sprint race format last year. And now, with Liberty Media set to become the new owner, many more changes are likely.
In recent years, Marc Márquez has been absent from the title fight due to injuries and Honda’s difficulties. Furthermore, several legendary names have retired – Valentino Rossi at the end of 2021 being the most prominent example, but also Andrea Dovizioso, Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo, who left the scene between 2018 and 2022.
Asked by Motosan.es about the current state of MotoGP, Lorenzo Dalla Porta commented: ‘There are many times when you see very entertaining races, and other times not so much, but that’s how it is. I don’t have time to watch now, but the fact that Valentino Rossi is no longer in MotoGP hasn’t helped the fans. But let’s say that it is an era in which MotoGP is changing. Although I think there is much more passion for the sport now than before‘.
