Former F1 team principal Helmut Marko has identified a problem with MotoGP that has kept the premier class from being as big as its four-wheeled counterparts.
Formula 1 has experienced a huge amount of growth over the last few years, mostly for a reason. Freedom media Acquiring the commercial rights of the sport and then investing in it.
The American media conglomerate entered the world of two wheels 12 months ago with the purchase of Dorna Sports (which later became MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group).
What are your thoughts on the independent media taking MotoGP the same way as F1?
Pedro Acosta thinks it is the right move
We have already seen the DNA of independent media in various decisions, including Australian Grand Prix action from the fan-favorite Phillip Island circuit From 2027 to a new road track in Adelaide city centre.
Of course, it’s no secret that the media giants are trying to turn the premier class into something as profitable as F1, and Red Bull Racing’s former special adviser believes he has now identified the main problem with MotoGP’s growth.
Helmut Marko says MotoGP needs a ‘real star rider’ to improve progress.
In an interview with an Austrian newspaper A small newspaperMarco was recently asked about the country’s premier racing circuit, the Red Bull Ring.
In the year Following his retirement from F1 at the end of the 2025 campaign, the 83-year-old has become the race track’s official ambassador to boost interest in the various events taking place there.
What is the main reason why MotoGP is not as popular as F1?
Helmut Marko thinks it’s a lack of star power
Although MotoGP has been a staple of the calendar for the past ten years, the number of fans attending the race has dropped significantly. Austrian Grand Prix.
In the year Attendance peaked in 2023, when 173,000 spectators traveled to the Styrian hills, but figures from last year’s race weekend saw 117,560 fans attend – a huge drop of almost 56,000 away fans.
“Formula 1 is going as usual, so there’s no need to worry about that,” began Marco, before sharing a glass-half-empty verdict on MotoGP, “things don’t look good for MotoGP, which I don’t understand much because the races are so exciting.”
“When Red Bull first took part, MotoGP attracted more people than Formula 1. That has changed partly due to the successes of their own teams. Most MotoGP races in Europe are sold out; only Silverstone, Hungary and Austria have struggled.”
He cited Spain’s hosting of three race weekends as well as a lack of star power as some of the main reasons why the sport is currently not on the same level as its four-wheeled counterparts.
“One problem is definitely over-reliance on Spain,” he said. “There’s really a lack of a real star driver Mark Marquez It really stands out. However, after independence, things should change in this regard.
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