P1racenews AI automatic summary:
MotoGP sees 20% increase in viewership following sprint race introduction
Dorna Sports, the promoters of MotoGP, made significant changes to the structure of each premier class weekend for the current season. They added sprint races, covering half the distance of Sunday’s grand prix, to all 21 events on the 2023 calendar. This was done in an effort to increase TV viewership and attendance at live races. The introduction of sprint races has been successful, with a 20% increase in global TV audience compared to 2022. Saturday audiences have risen by 51% during the first 12 events of the season, and live attendance numbers are higher than in 2019, before the pandemic. More than half of the events in 2023 have seen attendance growth of over 30%, including a record high at the German Grand Prix. The championship is heading into an exciting title battle, with reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia leading by just three points, closely followed by Jorge Martin. Martin has been on a strong run, winning five out of the last six races.
Source: Motorsport Week
