From the paddock
The MotoGP™ paddock enters a new era in 2023 as an expanded calendar of 21 races and the addition of MotoGP™ Sprint are now on show . And the new additions don ’ t just end there !
As well as boasting new theme music , written and performed by Hollywood composer and MotoGP™ super fan Marco Beltrami , there is a new feel to MotoGP™ paddock life in 2023 . There is now better access than ever for fans hoping to meet their idols of the sport . The innovative parc fermé and podium ceremony for Tissot Sprint takes place at a certain location of the circuit , giving fans a chance to see it from close up . There they have the chance to voice their approval for the fantastic action they just witnessed . Tissot Sprint gives fans the chance to see two competitive outings instead of one during a race weekend . As witnessed at the first three rounds of the year , the Sprint offers up fantastic entertainment , with drama-packed racing a guarantee throughout the outing , held over half-race distance . Brad Binder ’ s sensational rise from 15th to 1st in the Argentinean Sprint showed the new format offers up plenty of opportunity for some thrilling surprises . On Sunday morning , fans once again have the chance to see their riders during the Rider ’ s Parade – a ceremony where riders tour the circuit together for a lap , stopping off at certain corners to interact with the public and distribute merchandising . Here is a chance to see the MotoGP™ grid relaxed before the day ’ s racing gets underway and they start preparations for battle . Soon after that the riders convene in the MotoGP™ Hero Walk , held inside the paddock . This is an area around which fans gather to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars from motorcycle racing ’ s premier class . All the riders are on hand to sign autographs , pose for selfies and interact with the fans that have gathered around . The new format has already bore fruit . the increase in weekend TV audiences is a sizeable 27 %. There has been a 51 % increase in attendance on Saturdays as fans tune in to enjoy both the shootout for pole position and the Sprint . And on average across the first five races , the available data shows a 40 % increase in fans coming to enjoy the world ’ s fastest motorcycle racing Championship at the track .
Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar | 57