French GP breaks MotoGP all-time attendance record with 311k fans

MotoGP broke its all-time attendance record at last weekend’s French Grand Prix.

Confirmed:

• 311,797 fans watched Johann Zarco become the first French rider to win their home race since 1954
• Le Mans has now hosted the most-attended race for three consecutive seasons
• In other news, Würth Group has become the official tool supplier of MotoGP

Context:

The French Grand Prix has become MotoGP’s tentpole event in recent years.

The 2024 race set a new record weekend attendance for MotoGP, with 297,471 fans present at Le Mans Circuit. This beat the previous high of 278,705, which was set during the 2023 French Grand Prix. This year’s attendance of 311,797 means that an average of 295,760 fans have attended across the past three years.

The circuit was recently reward with an extension until the 2031 season, ensuring one of the best-attended MotoGP events remains on the calendar for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, as part of its new role as official tool supplier, Würth will benefit from visibility at the Grands Prix in Italy, Spain, and Indonesia, with branding along the circuit, in hospitality areas, and digital spaces. 

Comment:

Commenting on the new sponsorship deal, Marc Saurina, head of global commercial partnerships for MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, said: “Würth matches our ambition and values. In Würth, we win a global partner that supports our teams with first-class tools, as well as new impetus in some of our strongest markets.”

Fritz Hollweck, head of sports sponsorship at Würth, added: “At the end of the day, in motorsports, like in the trades, it’s about every detail: speed, experience and perfectly tuned processes are the key to success.

“This ambition is precisely what we share with MotoGP. Both brands stand for top-notch technical excellence, passion and teamwork.” 

Coming next:

Next up for MotoGP is a circuit where attendances have struggled in recent years. Silverstone may attract over 400,000 fans when Formula One races at the venue, but it’s a different story for its two-wheeled counterpart.

However, this year, the British Grand Prix has been brought forward earlier in the season than usual, taking place from 23rd to 25th May. The race will avoid the British summer holidays in an effort to attract more families, but it now clashes with the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500.

Go deeper:

• What’s the state of MotoGP’s sponsorship portfolio ahead of Liberty Media’s takeover?
• MotoGP 2024 season review: What is Liberty Media acquiring?