RiderTua.com – It seems that MotoGP fans have not been able to move on from Valentino Rossi. As with other circuits, since the legend from Tavullia-Italy withdrew from MotoGP, the stands have experienced a very significant decline. Likewise in the British GP. Since the MotoGP event in Queen Elisabeth’s country moved the venue from Donington Park to Silverstone, the audience has never been as crowded as this year. A total of 41,002 spectators came to the race at Silverstone on Sunday, and in the total for 3 days (Friday-Sunday) there were 100,400 fans who came directly to the circuit. However, the number of viewers is still far below expectations.
Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone said, “Dorna knows they have a big job. When Valentino (Rossi) announced his retirement, we saw what happened to ticket sales. Everyone was still wearing their Rossi shirt. It’s the dominant ‘name’ out there,” said Pringle.
No Rossi, Many Silverstone Tribunes are Empty
Nearly 100,000 views for 3 days? The same number of fans racing at Le Mans, Assen and at the Sachsenring before the summer break, but only on Sunday races! By Silverstone standards, that’s an extreme drop. Because last year as many as 142,000 people came to the 5.9 km long track.
Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone explained, “It was a sunny day but I was a little disappointed, because not many people came. I think national promoters, national broadcasters, and national regulatory agencies all have something to do here. We all have to work together.”
“Dorna know they have a big job ahead of them and we all felt it last year. When Valentino (Rossi) announced his retirement, we saw what happened to ticket sales. Everyone was still wearing their Rossi shirt. It’s the dominant ‘name’ out there,” added Pringle.
At the Formula 1 GP in early July, 115,000 fans attended Silverstone on Sundays alone and over 300,000 over the weekend. With Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris, there are three local drivers on the starting grid, and Max Verstappen regularly inspires his fans.
Is MotoGP currently losing its star? Valentino Rossi has ended his racing career, Marc Marquez is still trying hard for a comeback after his fourth operation in June.
“We will support Dorna in their initiative. Right now Formula 1 is on the rise for doing a fantastic job with its Netflix series, which Dorna is not trying to do. They are ashamed that ‘MotoGP Unlimited’ is a misstep,” said the Silverstone managing director.
In addition, of course the economic situation throughout Europe has changed. Nowadays, maybe people can’t spend that kind of money to watch races anymore. “We have to try, not just sit here and do what we’ve been doing for the last 10 or 12 years. Then nothing will change,” continued Pringle.
These days the job of a track operator is not easy. The race failed in 2018, as heavy rain and puddles made it impossible to ride on the race track. Then the race track was re-paved. But the race was also canceled in 2020 because the situation did not allow it.
“We have absolutely no intention of missing out on the GP and I am very encouraged by Dorna’s positive feedback on our event. If they have anything to complain about it’s only because our stands are empty and we can’t fill them. They won’t be happy with the crowd this weekend but we can do better. We have to work hard,” concluded Pringle.
