The 2024 season of the MotoGP World Championship marked a turning point in terms of attendance. For the first time, more than 3 million spectators attended the races over the entire season, a significant increase compared to the previous year, an increase that the French Grand Prix largely supported.
The 2024 MotoGP season set a new record with more than 3 million spectators present on the circuits throughout the year. This figure, never before reached, marks a notable increase compared to 2.85 million spectators by 2023. However, this success can be explained in part by changes in the counting method and by particularities specific to this season.
Thus, for the first time, spectators were counted over four days (Thursday to Sunday) for all Grand Prix, whereas this method was previously limited to races like Le Mans. The figures for the Grand Prix of the Americas at Austinnot published for years, were also included in 2024.
With 20 races from March to November, fans also had more opportunities to attend the races. Likewise, Le Mansthe Sachsenring et Buriram remain pillars in terms of attendance, attracting crowds thanks to their history and unique atmosphere.
In all cases, the French Grand Prix leads the MotoGP world in terms of attendance
At the Top of the Most Frequented Circuits, we note a cumulative attendance over four days:
- Le Mans (France): 297,471 spectators
- Sachsenring (Germany): 252,826 spectators
- Buriram (Thailand): 205,343 spectators
If we limit ourselves to the Sunday crowds only, the Rand Prix de France still leads:
- Le Mans (France): 119,145 spectators
- Assen (Netherlands): 108,770 spectators
- Sachsenring (Germany): 98,015 spectators
These figures show that Le Mans remains the benchmark in terms of attendance, both over the four days and on Sunday.
Conversely, certain circuits experienced disappointing results despite Dorna's efforts to standardize the counting:
- Losail (Qatar) :
– 40,343 spectators over four days
– 15,165 spectators on Sunday
– Despite its season-opening status, Losail remains at the bottom of the rankings and will be replaced by Buriram to open the 2025 season.
- Motegi (Japan) :
– 80,131 spectators over four days
– 42,018 spectators on Sunday
- Misano (Italy, 2nd race):
– 82,024 spectators over four days
– 45,467 spectators on Sunday
– In comparison, the first race in Misano attracted 163,558 spectators in four days.
In 2025, Buriram in Thailand will open the season instead of Losail. This could further boost footfall, with Buriram having recorded more than 200 000 spectators in 2024. Circuits like Le Mansthe Sachsenring et Assen continue to prove their worth, while others, like Losailwill have to rethink their strategy to attract more audiences.
MotoGP 2024 marked a milestone with more than 3 million spectators on the circuits. Although this record is partly due to methodological adjustments, it also reflects the growing popularity of the discipline.
For 2025, the calendar will bring new opportunities, notably with Buriram at the start of the season. However, it remains essential to maintain the balance between tradition and innovation to continue to appeal to an ever-widening audience.
