Canal+: a new era of MotoGP™ coverage begins in France
A press day in Paris sets the future of French MotoGP™ coverage in motion
Friday, 15 February 2019
MotoGP™ and Canal+ joined forces in Paris on Friday to celebration their new collaboration, which begins this season. The day began with a photo call in front of the iconic Arc de Triomphe with home hero riders Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), before a Press Conference with representatives from Canal+ and Dorna set the future of French MotoGP™ coverage in motion.
Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, opened the Press Conference. “The presence of French Champions is an essential key to the success of the sport. It’s a long time we’ve been following them. And we must also highlight the tremendous work done by Dorna and Manel Arroyo, who I congratulate. We’ve been following what they’ve been doing for a very long time, too. It’s exceptional and all this is far from a coincidence! Finally, the third essential element: the Canal+ team and our know-how, under the direction of Thierry Cheleman (Director of Sports – Canal + Group), Didier Lahaye (Deputy Director of Sports – Canal+ Group), Thomas Sénécal, Marina Lorenzo and the entire team. Formula 1 has had incredible success on Canal+. We have had the rights for a few seasons now and we’ve been voted the best broadcaster in the world! Our subscribers are absolute fans and it shows in the numbers. Last year, the audience for F1 on Canal+ climbed by 20%, and we share four Grands Prix with TF1.”
Manel Arroyo, Managing Director of Dorna Sports, spoke next and welcomed Canal+ to the MotoGP™ family. “We’re delighted and proud to join forces with a broadcaster who are a worldwide point of reference in the sphere of sport and television. It’s a dream for any sport to be in the hands of Canal+, which is the reference in audio visual sports journalism. Near to Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate this new love between MotoGP™ and Canal +! We put these incredible athletes in their hands; the sportsmen who create an incredible spectacle celebrating excellence and close competition.”
At the event, the team who will represent Canal+ at each race was also named – and it includes some key figures from French motorcycling success. Premier class podium finisher Randy de Puniet and former Grand Prix rider Louis Rossi will be on the commentary team, with Jules Danilo and Suzuki test rider and often wildcard Sylvain Guintoli set to be involved too. Marina Lorenzo will be in pitlane, with David Dumain and Laurent Rigal set to head up the crew on site.
Thomas Sénécal, Chief Motorsports Editor at Canal +, focused on the coverage and how the broadcaster will bring their experience to MotoGP™. “We have been working on our MotoGP™ crew for several months now, both for the 2019 season and the years to come. Coverage will be centered on the circuits – in other words, everything will happen within the paddock. As soon as the broadcast begins, from Friday morning to Sunday evening our desire is to be at the heart of the event! The MotoGP ™ team will wear the signature of Canal + and we are surrounded by motorcycle racing experts to bring the best to our subscribers. They want the best and sharpest people who know exactly what they’re talking about! This passion is the common ground between those who broadcast MotoGP ™ on Canal + and those who watch it. And then there is also the collective. We want to experience the sport as a team at staff level first, but we also especially want to share it with the public. There will be a Canal + stand at the Grand Prix de France, because we really want to get closer to the fans. I know you’re very excited to discover our device, but first of all we’ll talk about programs, which are at the heart of our inspiration at Canal +. MotoGP ™ starts live on Friday morning, and focusing on Sunday we will have a half hour show before the Grand Prix, with the grid, interviews, reports and analysis followed by the 45 minute race show.”
That’s part of a full weekend of in depth and incredible coverage throughout the season – and with two French riders now lining up, the future is incredibly bright. Both Zarco and Quartararo were present throughout the event and spoke to the media about their preseasons and the year ahead, as well as the beginning of the Canal+ era in France.
“It was a very nice event today with Canal+ in the middle of Paris, on this beautiful terrace. I’m really happy with new channel will show MotoGP™, I think it’s great for French riders to get more coverage because more people watch this channel,” says Johann Zarco. “That gives us the opportunity to show how we race and the best of MotoGP. I’m happy to be there, and there’s sunshine today in Paris…one more reason to enjoy the event. The former riders on the team is the best way to give technical details during the races, and this way we’ll be able to talk more about that.”
“It’s been a really good day and I’ve enjoyed it,” adds Fabio Quartararo. “I’m really happy that Canal+ will be in MotoGP this year, they’re a very important broadcaster in France and they do a really good job with Formula 1. I’m happy about the news and we’ll see them in Qatar!”
The season begins and Canal+ begin a new era of MotoGP™ coverage in France from the 8th to 10th of March as Losail International Circuit in Qatar hosts the 2019 season opener.