MotoGP Bharat 2023, the first-ever MotoGP Grand Prix event hosted by India, saw a total spend of Rs 528 crores as per a research report.
Held at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida between September 22-24, 2023, the event saw a spend of Rs 392 cores on local products and services. Expenses on non-local products and services stood at Rs 31 crores while visitors from outside Delhi, NCR and UP spent Rs 105 crores.
The lead researchers for the study are Sarthak Mondal, lecturer in Sport Management at the University of Portsmouth, and Taruka Srivastav, a former Asian Games athlete for India and the founder of Playknox, a sports consulting and research agency. The study was commissioned by FairStreet Sports- the organisers of the event. Its aim was to identify the public perceptions and economic impact of the event in the local community.
The methodology adopted was getting 100 attendees to fill in a four-page survey about expenditure behaviour during the event, what prompted them to attend and what improvements they would like to see in the next edition.
The suggestions for improvements include:
- Availability of necessary services, such as drinking water
- Proper training to race marshals as they are the first person(s) to react in case of a trackside emergency
- Better parking facilities and opportunities for spectators to explore the circuit.
On the Likert scale of 7 (where 1 is least satisfied and 7 most satisfied), the median score was 6. The major chunk of spectators and attendees- 45% were in the 26-35 age group. Almost three-fourths (74%) of the attendees were males. Over the three-day event, the total attendees were 1.11 lakhs.
Motivations to attend the race included previous attendance at F1 Grand Prix; a passion for bikes and motorsports and a willingness to explore a new event.
Mondal said, “The findings showcase the undeniable economic benefits brought about by MotoGP Bharat 2023… underscore its role as a catalyst for growth and development…it becomes evident that MotoGP is not just a thrilling sporting event but a dynamic force that positively impacts the communities it touches. However, there are some key improvements that organisers must address ahead of the next season to make sure fans of MotoGP return and embrace this amazing event”.
Among the team owners quoted in the report, Paolo Campinoti CEO of Pramac said, “From next year, MotoGP India will become the most important race in the world”.
Carlos Ezpeleta CEO of DORNA (the commercial rights owner for Grand Prix racing) said, “…our aim is to consolidate the MotoGP—our show. The second is to consolidate the MotoGP as a tool for safety on the road. And the third is to see the local industries representing Ducati or KTM or other manufacturers expand in the biggest market in the world for a motorcycle” (sic.)
Srivastav said, “We are honored to have delivered this exciting project and leverage our expertise to provide valuable insights into the economic benefits and opportunities associated with hosting MotoGP Bharat”.
