Auditel (the Italian version of Nielson), is reporting that MotoGP TV ratings were up during the German GP, which coincidently was also the venue for Valentino Rossi’s return to motorcycle racing. The loveable Italian rider is more popular than pasta in his home country, and with Rossi back in the premiere class, MotoGP’s ratings got a big shot in the arm. Reporting 5.5 million viewers during the German GP, Auditel estimates that nearly 43.5% of Italian TV viewers were watching the GP. Warning, spoilers after the jump.
Auditel also reports that 6.1 million viewers watched the battle between Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi during the final laps of the restarted German GP, which accounted for nearly half (49.26%) of all TV viewers during the race’s time slot. Much to the chagrin of Italian viewers, Rossi would lose out to Stoner in the final turns of the last lap.
For whatever reason, MotoGP has been suffering from a decline in viewership since Rossi’s departure in Mugello. While certainly some of the attirition is because of the absense of Rossi, other factors seemed to be at play as well. The increased viewership for the German GP was up nearly 50% over MotoGP’s stop in Catalunya. The Catalan GP not only had to contend with Rossi’s absence, but also with World Cup coverage. Welcome back Rossi, Dorna missed you.
Source: Two Wheels Blog
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