MOTOGP SEEKS LOCAL STARS TO FUEL GROWTH IN KEY MARKETS

MotoGP’s strongest crowds often gather where fans can cheer a home-grown contender. France offered a striking example: after Johann Zarco’s victory at Le Mans in 2025, the following Grand Prix drew more than 300,000 spectators, setting another attendance record. Germany remains an exception, with the Sachsenring’s popularity enduring despite the absence of a current local star.

The championship is gaining home-market prospects elsewhere. Australia will retain a rider in the field in 2027 through Senna Agius, following Jack Miller’s departure from MotoGP at the end of this year. In the United States, where organisers are still looking for a potential local hero, KTM Tech3 has signed 17-year-old Kristian Anthony Daniel for its 2027 Moto3 campaign. He will step up after three seasons in the Red Bull Rookies Cup.

South America is also set to have more representation. Brazil already has Honda rookie Diogo Moreira, while Colombian David Alonso is due to join MotoGP in 2027, adding another draw for the region’s keen racing audience.

Germany’s next possible contender is 16-year-old Fynn Kratochwil, who will return to the Rookies Cup next season after making an impression this year. His mentor, Peter Clifford, called him “definitely a very promising young man.” Kratochwil turns 17 in August next year, making him eligible to enter Moto3 in 2028 without an age exemption. For now, he is a prospect rather than an immediate successor to German riders such as Stefan Bradl, Jonas Folger and Sandro Cortese.