The question of the notoriety and popularity of motorcycle Grands Prix in general and MotoGP in particular bothers Hervé Poncharal on a daily basis but also the promoter who is in charge of it, Dorna, an organization at the head of which we find Carmelo Ezpeleta. In a world in crisis and uncertainty, which remains the one after which year 1 was marked by a health crisis, which is also officially still in progress, we must monitor this situation like milk on fire. To keep public interest at a high level, decision-makers have taken the initiative to move the lines with a sprint race which will enter the format of meetings in 2023. There remains a gloomy time which does not encourage the frivolity of spending on go and experience a Grand Prix. The paddock officials are well aware of this, but there is an argument too easily put forward to explain the lack of attendance in the stands that they do not want to hear as a universal excuse: the absence of Valentino Rossi on the starting grid for cause of retirement.
And as such, the next San Marino Grand Prix in Misano will be a real crash test for the Italian Grand Prix. Indeed, the popular failure of an Italian Grand Prix which took place on a site in Mugello which was far from filling up in terms of audience. The retirement of Valentino Rossi was put forward to explain this disaffection, and it certainly played a role. But not to this extent. We studied the phenomenon in more depth at Dorna, and we realized certain flaws which also precipitated what we must call an Italian failure.
Carmelo Ezpeleta did not appreciate it and recalled that too much disaffection and empty stands would mean disappearance from the calendar. Because other countries want to host MotoGP, while other Nations on the calendar are doing magnificently, like Le Mans and Sachsenring. Hervé Poncharal, boss of the teams association, took stock of this situation on motosprint. He makes it clear that Misano would be the moment of truth for Italy in the Grand Prix.
Hervé Poncharal: “ Valentino Rossi's withdrawal does not explain the Mugello flop«
We thus read of the Frenchman, patron of Tech3 : " Mugello is one of my favorite places, a magnificent track, with passion and Italian brands… » And he says: “ we got there, there were few people. Dorna contacted the organizers, such bare stands seemed incredible to everyone. However, I avoid criticizing… no smoke bombs, parties, entertainment and full houses. The opposite of what was usual ».
Then he comes to this excuse of the absence of Valentino Rossi : " This is absolutely not the reason for this flop. Take Germany: no local MotoGP rider, yet there was a “sold out”. About Mugello, I heard several theories: prices too high, coincidence with a music festival in the neighboring city of Florence, coincidence with the public holiday of June 2. I only know that upon arriving in the area I noticed the lack of advertising during the event ».
And he shares his experience in the field: “ I stopped to have a coffee and chat with the locals: no one knew that the Italian Grand Prix was there. I know Ezpeleta stressed that the situation was not acceptable, especially considering the people present and admired on the other circuits. In Misano we will better understand where we are, I don't think it's an Italian problem ". The organizers of the Mugello will they be made to face their responsibilities by their compatriots of Misano ? For the future of the peninsula on the calendar of the next seasons, it would undoubtedly be better.
