Helmut Marko, former F1 director, has identified MotoGP's problem. "There's clearly a lack of a true star. Only Marc Marquez really stands out." The Austrian, who has seen attendance plummet at the Red Bull Ring (down 56,000 spectators in a year), also points to the excessive reliance on Spain. "With Liberty Media, the situation should change." The assessment is clear-sighted… or worrying?
The assessment comes from a man who participated from the inside in transforming Formula 1 into a global phenomenon. Helmut Marko, one of the most influential figures in the F1 paddock for almost twenty years, MotoGP is now suffering from a problem that goes much deeper than a simple question of calendar or marketing.
According to him, the sport lacks a true superstar. And in his mind, only one rider still fits that definition today: Marc MarquezFrom a sporting perspective, few disciplines can offer the same intensity as MotoGP. Overtaking is frequent, the gaps are tiny, and the outcome is always uncertain. Yet, the discipline's global popularity remains far lower than that of Formula 1.
Helmut Marko He himself admits to not fully understanding this situation. Things aren't looking very good for MotoGP, which I don't really understand.because the races are extremely exciting »
His observation is all the more interesting because it is based on recent history. When Red Bull first got involved, MotoGP actually attracted more spectators than Formula 1. This has changed, largely thanks to the successes of their own team. »
In other words, Formula 1 has not always dominated MotoGP in terms of attractiveness. This is a relatively recent reversal.
Analysis of Marko His argument becomes more controversial when he looks for the causes of this evolution. For him, MotoGP is still far too dependent on Spain. One of the problems certainly lies in the excessive dependence on Spain"But above all, he believes that the discipline today lacks a figure capable of transcending the circle of enthusiasts." "There is clearly a lack of a true star; only Marc Marquez really stands out." »
This statement obviously doesn't call into question the talent of riders like Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, Pedro Acosta, Pecco Bagnaia, or Fabio Quartararo. It highlights another reality: being a great champion doesn't necessarily mean becoming a global icon.
Marquez He possesses this rare ability to transcend the mere sporting arena. His story, his injuries, his return to the forefront, and his personality make him an immediately identifiable figure, even to an audience that doesn't follow MotoGP every week.
With MotoGP, Liberty Media faces the same challenge as with Formula 1.
This reflection comes at a particular time. Since the acquisition of Dorna by Liberty MediaMotoGP has entered a new phase of its development. The American group intends to apply some of the formula that transformed Formula 1: storytelling, team visibility, close relationships with riders, and international development.
The initial decisions already demonstrate this, particularly the reorganization of the calendar with the future Australian Grand Prix transferred from Phillip Island to a semi-urban circuit in Adelaide, in a logic of getting closer to major urban centers.
For MarkoThis new governance could precisely allow MotoGP to take a significant step forward. With the takeover by Liberty, the situation should change.. » The reflection of Marko This ultimately opens up a broader debate. Is MotoGP truly lacking in champions? Probably not. Perhaps it lacks more personalities capable of telling a story beyond the track.
La Formula 1 has understood for several years that a championship is no longer sold solely on results. It is also built around rivalries, personalities, stories and emotions.
However, MotoGP today has several profiles capable of embodying this new generation: the spectacular return of Marc Marquez, the meteoric rise of Peter Acostathe elegance of Pecco Bagnaia, the fervor of Marco Bezzecchi or even the atypical career path ofAi Ogura.
The challenge of Liberty Medium The challenge, therefore, may not be to find a new star. It will be to transform these champions into characters that the general public will want to follow, even when they're not wearing a helmet. That's precisely what the Formula 1 has succeeded. And this is now the real challenge for MotoGP.
