Let's talk MotoGP: Drivers absent?

Last year, I dedicated several articles to the creation of the MotoGP product, a very important subject in our era, just as much as the performance of the riders. In an age of ever crazier camera angles and onboards always more immersive, I found that DORNA was a little lacking in comparison with other promoters. This was particularly glaring during the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, where it was necessary to find the security images to ensure that Brad Binder had really gone out in the green a few lengths from the finish. What was it like in 2024?

The best

The absence of articles from me last year concerning this problem is ultimately quite revealing. : yes, it was better. Never again were CCTV cameras requisitioned to award a penalty, and unlike 2023, we have, I believe, not missed any notable moments or falls important to the narration of a race. Indeed, a sporting representation is similar to a story: certain directors decide to get more or less involved in it, sometimes choosing wide shots to let the sport do its thing. show (the Premier League in England, for example), while others prefer tight shots that add drama, personality, suspense (like in Ligue 1). It's all about finding the right compromise.

With the arrival of Liberty Mediawe know that this part, which is relatively unknown to fans but nevertheless very important for our appreciation of the sport, should change. The teams, led, according to my research, by the Spaniard Sergi Sendraare very competent, among the best in the world. Sendra has been in charge of producing and delivering the MotoGP program to us for 26 years, and of everything that revolves around live international. In addition to this, it is also head of global technologya vast title if ever there was one, which could be translated into
“chief technology officer” for DORNA Sports.

Last season was better filmed than the previous one, there was no driver missing (a thought for Miguel Oliveira at Misano in 2021, we never knew what happened to him), any untimely cuts, failed plans. It was square, much better, in my opinion, than in 2023. However, there was also a major difference, which was visible at the start of the championship.

A bias?

I don't know if you had that impression – because this is, perhaps, only an impression –, but I believe that we have never seen so many of those who were aiming for victory, and so little of the others. In Qatar, this struck me. The cameras were still focused on the top three, Marc Marquez, and Pedro Acosta. I even came to wonder if, given the enthusiasm he was generating, the Spanish rookie did not have his own dedicated airtime, a bit like some football broadcasters can sometimes do when a player will retire. The whole first half of the season, I had the impression of only seeing Bagnaia, Martin, Marquez, and Pedro Acostawherever he is.

It seems to me that this subsided later – or maybe I got used to it – but it was quite monotonous, because there wasn't much going on in my mind this season. On the other hand, and this is my problem, I have the impression that by focusing on the best in this way, other battles have been completely forgotten! For example, I don't think I've ever seen so little
Fabio Quartararo. Of course, he has just had his worst campaign in MotoGP, but still. Ditto for Binder, Alex Marquez, Vinales – at the end – all those who regularly play the top 10, and who are, I imagine, obliged to defend their places dearly.

Conclusion

The achievement is very good in MotoGP, much better than in other motor sports. But we must not forget that sport deserves it ; in terms of enthusiasm on social networks, it is the second most followed motor sport, behind the Formula 1 model – which still remains a notch above when it comes to reality. It is necessary to innovate in order not to be overtaken by technology, and I find that DORNA Sports is doing very well in this area.

However, I'm curious if you share my opinion regarding focusing on the first three. Am I the only one who noticed this? Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial staff.

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport