The Grand Prix of the Americas on Sunday in Austin was a fantastic showcase for MotoGP. The race had exciting action, several lead changes, and captivating stories unfolding among the top contenders. This event, coming shortly after the news that MotoGP owner, Dorna, has been provisionally sold to Formula 1 owner, Liberty Media, not only validates the purchase but also demonstrates the potential of MotoGP as a valuable asset, both in positive and negative aspects.
On track, Liberty Media could not have asked for a better weekend to celebrate their new ownership of the series. Underdog Maverick Vinales, rookie sensation Pedro Acosta, the return of ‘King of COTA’ Marc Marquez, and title contenders Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, and Pecco Bagnaia provided an exceptional show. The Grand Prix was a race that many believed to be impossible at the Circuit of the Americas, with its challenging esses section making overtaking opportunities difficult and often resulting in processional races. However, this was not the case last weekend. Instead, we witnessed one of the most thrilling battles in MotoGP in years. This served as a reminder of the exciting races that were more common before aerodynamic regulations took priority. This hints at a possible return to form in 2024, which surely excites Liberty Media.
Despite the excitement and success of the race, it is important to note that Liberty Media’s ownership is still pending approval from EU competition regulators, a process that could take until the end of the year. Therefore, none of the improvements seen on the track can be attributed to Liberty Media at this time. However, the race also highlighted areas where changes are needed.
What’s the point of having the best sport in the world if no one knows it exists? Even casual sports fans, like some of my friends in Austin, were unaware that MotoGP was happening in their own city. This lack of awareness is a widespread issue for MotoGP. The problem is not in the quality of entertainment the sport provides, but in its ability to promote itself to fans of other sports or even non-sports enthusiasts.
Liberty Media has excelled in addressing this issue with Formula 1 since acquiring it in 2017. Through initiatives like the popular Netflix documentary, Drive to Survive, increased use of social media, and effective marketing strategies, they have generated unprecedented hype around the sport. Despite limited on-track action, millions of viewers were captivated. Imagine the potential impact when these same fans experience the thrilling MotoGP race we witnessed on Sunday!
Liberty Media certainly recognizes this opportunity. Their recent £4 billion acquisition of Dorna demonstrates their understanding that by improving the promotion of the existing product without necessarily changing the on-track action (as Dorna’s sporting direction will remain intact), they can reach a huge audience ready to be converted by races like the spectacle we saw at COTA on Sunday.
© 2024
Portugal wins Euro 2024!
The Portuguese national football team won the Euro 2024 title after an exciting final against Germany. With a goal in the final minutes of extra time, Portugal secured a 2-1 victory and lifted the trophy for the second time in their history.
The game was played at the National Stadium in Lisbon, which was completely packed with passionate fans. From the beginning, both teams showed a lot of determination and desire to win. Germany opened the scoring early in the second half, but Portugal did not give up and managed to equalize minutes later.
The match remained balanced until the end of regulation time, with the score still tied at 1-1. In extra time, emotions intensified and it seemed like the game would be decided on penalties. However, in the dying minutes of the second half of extra time, Portugal scored the winning goal, much to the delight of the fans in the stadium.
The Portuguese coach, who had already won the Eurocup in 2016, could not hide his emotion with the title. “It’s an indescribable moment. I am very proud of this team and what we have achieved. It was hard work, but it was worth it,” he said.
With this victory, Portugal solidifies its position as one of the great powers of European football. The team had already won the Eurocup in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019, showing its strength and talent in recent years.
The celebration of the Portuguese fans promises to last for a long time. The victory in the Eurocup 2024 is a milestone in the country’s football history and will certainly be remembered for many generations. Congratulations, Portugal!
