MotoGP attracts the crowds, even without a German star

Marc Márquez comes to one of the crowd-pullers on the racing calendar in top form: the Sachsenring. "When I come here, I smile more than usual," says the eight-time motorcycle world champion ahead of the eleventh round of the season. Many of the fans who flock to the track in their tens of thousands year after year and make the event one of the biggest individual sporting events in the country are likely to feel the same way. And this despite the fact that, for the second year in a row, there is no German rider competing for victories or even a local hero in one of the three world championship classes. How can this enthusiasm be explained?

Why is the race weekend so attractive?

In 2017, just under 165,000 spectators made the pilgrimage to the circuit. This figure has risen dramatically over the years. Last year, 252,826 visitors were counted - the previous record. In addition to the three world championship classes, two junior series are also presented.

Thomas Voss, ADAC Head of Motorsport, emphasizes that there is not only a lot on offer on the tarmac. "The mix of sport and entertainment is what makes the Grand Prix so special," he told the German Press Agency.

Among other things, a charity run was held on Wednesday. In the karting hall at the Ring, many drivers come by, give interviews and sign autographs. There is an air show, a stunt show and in the past, Bundesliga soccer team RB Leipzig has also used the weekend to present itself during the summer break.

How successful are ticket sales this year?

The organizers are also satisfied with advance sales this year. "Demand and enthusiasm for the Motorcycle Grand Prix remain high," says Voss. "In previous years, the box office has always been quite strong. If the weather is right, we might be able to set a new record again."

What about the German up-and-coming talent?

The greatest hopes are pinned on Fynn Kratochwil from Mühlhausen in Thuringia. He is currently racing in the Nothern Talent Cup junior series and has won five out of six races there. The ADAC promotes promising talents together with former drivers. "The medium to long-term goal is to find exceptional German talent who can make it into MotoGP," says former world champion Stefan Bradl, who now works as a TV pundit.

German fans will probably have to be patient for a while yet. However, Voss is optimistic: "The number of participants in the entry-level Mini and Pocket Bike Cup classes has risen sharply over the past two years. We have great young talent who are making the leap into international sport, so hopefully the phase without German riders in the World Championship will soon be over."

What are the future prospects for the Grand Prix in Germany?

The current contract ends in 2026. However, an extension until at least 2031 is said to be imminent. "It looks very promising. We are more or less in agreement," ADAC Sports President Dr. Gerd Ennser told the Bild newspaper. There are only a few details still to be worked out. "Personally, I would bet that we will meet again at the Sachsenring in 2027," said the official.

What will change for the organizer as a result of the takeover of rights holder Dorna Sports?

Expectedly little. This is because the people involved will remain the same under the management of the US media group Liberty Media, which reportedly paid more than 4 billion euros for the takeover of Dorna Sports. "In the long term, there are great opportunities in the change," said Voss, recalling the experience and developments in Formula 1. "Liberty has opened up new markets there, developed extensively in the digital sector and inspired new target groups. They will certainly also bring these strengths to motorcycle racing."

Who will start the weekend as the favorite in the premier class?

World championship leader Marc Márquez is not called the "King of the Ring" for nothing. Basically, the Spaniard can only beat himself on Saturday in the sprint (3.00 pm) and on Sunday in the main race (2.00 pm/each on DF1 and Sky) - especially as his first rival, his younger brother Alex, is struggling after a heavy crash.