The MotoGP World Championship, now under the stewardship of Liberty Media, has made a thunderous start to the 2026 season. The inaugural Thailand Grand Prix drew a record-breaking aggregate attendance of 228,228 spectators over the race weekend, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the previous year.
The “Liberty Effect” and the Márquez Factor
The Chang International Circuit, which was already the third most-watched race of last season, continues its upward trajectory. This surge in popularity is attributed not only to the new management but also to the immense drawing power of Marc Márquez. Now racing in Ducati red for the official factory team, the seven-time champion remains the primary catalyst for driving fan engagement and trackside attendance.
Chasing the Le Mans Benchmark
While Thailand’s figures are impressive, the historical record remains with the French Grand Prix at Le Mans, which attracted over 311,000 fans last year. However, with the 2025 season having closed with a total of 3.6 million spectators across 22 Grands Prix, the 2026 circuit is on pace to challenge those global milestones.
Looking West: The American Strategy
A key objective for Liberty Media this season is expanding MotoGP’s footprint in the Americas. Currently, the calendar features only one U.S. stop—the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Enrique Aldama, CFO of Dorna Sports, previously noted that Liberty Media’s expertise with Formula 1 (which visits the U.S. three times a year) will be vital. “The new majority shareholder brings strength to markets where Dorna previously faced handicaps, particularly in North America,” Aldama stated.