TV audience numbers are up so far for MotoGP in 2023, the new race weekend format seems to be increasing the popularity of MotoGP again after preseason doubts.

After a hectic start to the first MotoGP season with Sprint Races included on the calendar the broadcast audience figures have been released. The new format of racing for MotoGP has delivered some impressive racing, which has meant the viewing figures have been as impressive.

MotoGP viewership as a whole has seen a growth of 27% across the whole race weekend so far this season from TV audiences alone. It had become clear that viewing numbers for Saturdays in the past had been decreasing. More people were interested in only watching the main Grand Prix on the Sunday than qualifying on Saturday.

However, the new arrival of Sprint Races has seen TV audience numbers increase by an average of 51% for Saturday viewing. The new shorter race has now given Saturday a whole new look. Fans now get to enjoy both a battle for pole position and a battle for Sprint Race honours on the same day.

As well as Saturday viewing figures increasing this season the Sunday viewing figures are up as well. The main race day has seen a growth of a fifth when it comes to the TV audience figures so far this season.

"We are very excited to reveal these audience increases for the first part of the season." said Dorna Sports new Chief Commercial Officer, Dan Rossomondo. "The new weekend format and the introduction of the Tissot Sprint were designed to create a better show across the board, and we are encouraged by the initial performance. These numbers are a fantastic foundation, and we intend to keep building on it."

It is not only the TV audiences which are at a new high for MotoGP in recent history. The audience track side has also been on the rise in 2023. So far throughout the 2023 season the data that has been released by MotoGP shows that the audience figures are up on average by 40%.

The last Grand Prix weekend showed just how popular MotoGP has become in 2023. At the French Grand Prix, which was also the 1000th Grand Prix in MotoGP history, well over a quarter of a million people flocked to Le Mans to witness the MotoGP action. This was a record attendance for any MotoGP race in history.