Reviving Roar: MotoGP's Spectacular Awakening in Qatar and US with a Dash of Pitbull and AI

He worked for the NBA, so he knows plenty about sporting audiences in the US. Now, MotoGP chief commercial officer Daniel Rossomondo is trying to figure out how to attract the attention of a nation with a population of over 330 million.

He understands it will be a challenge, but with MotoGP returning to the track this weekend in Qatar to celebrate its 75th anniversary with an exciting opener in the Lusail desert, Rossomondo sees the potential of artificial intelligence as a valuable tool for the sport in the future.

"We have two gladiatorial figures in this sport - the riders and the teams. They are constantly pushing themselves to the limit," the American shared with CNN's Becky Anderson during an interview in Qatar.

Safety is a top priority for us, and we are always working towards improving it. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in this aspect. We use AI to track the riders on the circuit, monitor the performance of the bikes, and even generate on-air graphics.

Rossomondo believes that MotoGP serves as an incredible testing ground for technology. According to him, advancements made on the bike will eventually find their way to the streets. Additionally, he mentions that tech companies can also learn from the technologically advanced methods used in delivering MotoGP races.

“AI is at the forefront of what we’re doing right now to try to figure out a way to make this sport even more attractive.”

Rossomondo speaks to reporters during the press conference during practice ahead of the 2023 Grand Prix of the Americas.

Rossomondo speaks to reporters during the press conference during practice ahead of the 2023 Grand Prix of the Americas.

Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images

Exciting news in the world of MotoGP as a new broadcasting deal has been announced. This weekend, fans will see Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia kick off his quest for a third consecutive MotoGP title on his factory Ducati. All eyes will also be on Marc Márquez, a six-time champion, who made the switch from Honda to join his brother, Álex, at the Gresini Ducati team.

Jorge Martín, the charming racer from Spain, came in second to Bagnaia in 2023, and is anticipated to give the Italian a tough competition once again. Meanwhile, Moto2 champion Pedro Acosta is making the exciting leap to MotoGP, offering a thrilling new addition to the competition.

Hailing from Murcia, the 19-year-old Pedro Acosta is seen as a remarkable talent of his generation. Many experts are comparing him to Márquez, who famously secured the world title in 2013 at the age of 20, making him the youngest premier class champion in history in his debut year.

Bagnaia rides during the second free practice session ahead of the 2023 French Grand Prix.

Bagnaia rides during the second free practice session ahead of the 2023 French Grand Prix.

This week, the series made headlines off the track with an announcement of a new broadcasting deal in the United States. The deal is with TNT Sports, which is owned by Warner Bros Discovery.

All races throughout the season, along with qualifying sessions, will be shown on TV or online in the important US market.

In 2024, a US-based team called Nashville’s Trackhouse Racing, co-owned by musician Pitbull, will make its debut.

Rossomondo expressed, "The new TV deal is incredibly important for us. What makes it even more exciting is that this sport is perfectly suited for the American audience, so we are really thrilled about it."

In 2023, MotoGP had its third highest attendance season, with nearly three million fans attending events throughout the year. The first half of the season alone saw a record-breaking 1.6 million fans entering the gates.

But the sport has struggled to make inroads in the United States, where Formula One has recently enjoyed burgeoning interest and popularity.

‘Primed for growth’

Rossomondo, who was brought to MotoGP by Dorna from the NBA last year, is optimistic that this season will be a stepping stone for the two-wheeled equivalent of F1.

He shared with CNN, "This sport has great potential for growth. It's like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary, our goal is to introduce innovative changes on the track and enhance fan engagement by offering new products and experiences."

Rossomondo added that in our business, we aim to make our core audience feel like they are experiencing something special every day. At the same time, we also strive to attract a new audience and turn them into loyal fans.

A significant part of this revolution started last year with the introduction of half-distance Sprint races, which sparked controversy.

Rossomondo mentions that these races have been well-received by fans.

He shares, "I have three kids aged 14, 16, and 18, so I understand their short attention spans. Our 45-minute race on Sunday and our 24-minute race on Saturday are tailored to suit the preferences of today's entertainment and sports enthusiasts."

Marc Márquez prepares for practice ahead of the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.

Marc Márquez prepares for practice ahead of the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.

Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP/Getty Images

The American sees the Sprints as a gateway to the main race for new fans.

We aimed to develop a product that serves as a trial for our main race, and the response has been fantastic. This has resulted in a remarkable 20% increase in global television viewership.

Both the teams and riders have enthusiastically adopted this product, and it will be featured at every Grand Prix throughout the year.

‘Spectacular experience’

The season-opener in Qatar takes place at night, offering a unique spectacle under the lights, but also an advantage for global audiences, the American continued.

He says the newly refurbished Qatar facility, which also hosts F1, is a boon for the participants, too.

“Riders and teams wish that every paddock looked like this,” Rossomondo explained.

The idea of a night race was brought to life by the Qataris over 20 years ago, and they successfully made it happen.

This unique experience not only excites the fans present at the event, but also thrills fans from around the globe. Since a night race in the Middle East translates to a midday race in the US and a mid-afternoon race in Europe, it allows fans from different time zones to enjoy the excitement together.

TNT Sports, which has acquired US rights to MotoGP, is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which also owns CNN.

Editor's P/S:

MotoGP's expansion into the vast American market faces a formidable challenge. Despite its thrilling competition and technological advancements, the sport has struggled to gain traction in the US compared to Formula One. However, MotoGP's new broadcasting deal with TNT Sports and the introduction of Sprint races aim to ignite interest among American audiences. These initiatives, coupled with the sport's inherent appeal, suggest that MotoGP has the potential to establish a strong presence in the US.

Daniel Rossomondo, MotoGP's chief commercial officer, recognizes the significance of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan engagement and safety. AI's ability to track riders, monitor bike performance, and generate graphics provides valuable insights and enhances the viewing experience. Moreover, MotoGP serves as a testing ground for technological advancements that can eventually benefit road vehicles. By embracing innovation and catering to the evolving preferences of sports enthusiasts, MotoGP positions itself as a captivating spectacle primed for growth. American fans to follow the sport. The addition of a US-based team, Nashville's Trackhouse Racing, co-owned by musician Pitbull, is also expected to generate excitement and interest in MotoGP among American audiences.