The television broadcast of the motorcycle Grands Prix in France is changing this season by moving to Canal+. This is a big change for the public exposure of our sport, for the notoriety of the drivers, for the promotion of the French Grand Prix, and for the general growth of the discipline, the improvement of its image and its promotion. in terms of media value.
We asked for his views Manel Arroyo, responsible for everything relating to motorcycle GPs on television for Dorna for more than two decades, and whose expertise has made it possible to considerably improve the quality of the television product offered to passionate amateurs and the general public.
What will be the major difference between the broadcast by Canal+, and the old one by Eurosport?
“We are very happy with the presentation of our new agreement with Canal+. I think that all journalists, all young people, all people who like sport have a preference for Canal+.
“Canal+ is a reference in the world of sport and in that of television, and that is why I think that this new agreement will be the most beneficial for the best coverage of MotoGP in France. »
Since Dorna took over the Grand Prix, the filming quality has improved significantly. What technical innovations in Grand Prix broadcasting are you most satisfied with?
“We can say that we have worked a lot in the field of on-board cameras, and also in that of “super high speed slow motion” (slow motion at super high speeds).
“But I want to emphasize that what we are most satisfied with is the quality of the Championship as a sporting spectacle. I think we can bring a lot of cameras, we can commit a lot of resources, if the competition isn't pretty, isn't interesting, it's pointless. Today, we are very proud of the quality of the competition.”
Are you satisfied with the French Grand Prix, and the French spectators?
“I always tell everyone that the French Grand Prix is the prettiest of the whole season. The atmosphere and warmth found on the Le Mans straight as well as throughout the circuit are exceptional, even in the parking lots with so many motorcycles. Sunday morning at Le Mans is always a fantastic start to the day.”
You worked as a journalist, then as a director, in F1, rugby, motorcycling, rallying and other sports. How do you rate the level of MotoGP in terms of spectacle and atmosphere?
“I think that today MotoGP, with the quality of the sporting spectacle, continues to rise, still rise, always rise. All the people who work in the paddock to improve the quality of this sporting spectacle can be happy today.
“We absolutely must continue to work so that there is no reduction in quality, as we have been doing since we arrived.”
How do you still find the time to take an interest in MotoGP now that you have been Vice-President of Barça (FC Barcelona) since 2014?
“I left Barça last July, but to give up my place as always to a Catalan from Barcelona. Having a role in the club of our hearts is always a privilege. If I was able to work with Barça, it's because at Dorna, we are a big team and that allowed me to do several distinct things at the same time.
“This period with Barça was one of the happiest moments of my career.”
Manel Arroyo was born in Vic (near Barcelona) on May 10, 1960. Arroyo was first a journalist at Radio Nacional de España. In 1986 he joined the Spanish national television channel (TVE) as a Formula 1, motorcycle and rugby commentator. In 1988, he became Director of Communications and Press of the Real Automobil Club de Catalunya (RACC). He was a member of the team that designed and built the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. In 1991 he was part of the team that staged the first Formula One Spanish Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit and the team that added the Catalunya Rally to the World Rally Championship calendar FIA.
Manel Arroyo is Managing Director of Dorna Sports & MotoGP since 1992. In this capacity, he is responsible for all media-related activities and his main expertise is content management, production, sales and distribution via all media platforms. He also manages Dorna's relations with the media and the traditional press.
He was a member of the FC Barcelona board of directors since July 2010 and vice-president since March 2014, until his departure last July. Arroyo's direct responsibilities were in the areas of marketing and media.
Photos © Dorna / motogp.com
