The MotoGP weekend in Le Mans was destined to be an extraordinary event. This became evident even before the start of the French Grand Prix. Therefore, it was no surprise when the final attendance numbers revealed a record turnout, especially considering the overwhelming support that Fabio Quartararo and Johann Zarco received from the 120,000 French fans on Sunday. The anticipation for this event began to grow on Wednesday afternoon and continued to build up until the start of the race on Sunday. The noise level at the track, which is already known to be the loudest on the calendar due to its architecture and geography, reached its peak when over 100,000 people gathered to sing the French national anthem, La Marseillaise.
This year, the race was moved up a week to coincide with the public holidays in France on Wednesday and Thursday, allowing most people to enjoy a five-day long weekend. Those who had purchased their tickets in advance were lucky to have exceptional weather throughout the weekend, with unexpected sunshine adding to the vibrant atmosphere in Le Mans. What sets Le Mans apart from other races on the calendar is not only its ability to inform people about the race, but also its success in persuading them to stay for the entire duration and camp on site. Only Assen and Sachsenring come close to the level of chaos, excitement, and fun that can be experienced in Le Mans, which is why these three races are the most popular for camping.
The brain behind the success of the French GP is veteran organizer Claude Michy, who managed to turn it into a festival rather than just a race day. His efforts paid off, as evidenced by the record-breaking crowds that flocked to Le Mans. The nearly 300,000 attendees set a new MotoGP record in the modern era. Despite the wild scenes of the campsites around the circuit, it is a misconception to think that those who come are only there for the party and have no interest in watching the bikes. The reality is that, while French fans know how to party, they are also passionate MotoGP enthusiasts. Quartararo and Zarco, who were initially impressed by the support they received from the crowd, managed to elevate their performance in response.
Quartararo, who is especially popular among younger audiences, delivered one of his best performances of the season on Sunday, until he unfortunately fell from sixth place. This fall, however, indicated the gradual improvement of Yamaha as they rebuilt their problematic project. Zarco, on the other hand, faced even greater challenges at Honda, but his determination allowed him to outperform his teammates at Honda once again. Although he narrowly missed out on a spot in Q2, he finished in 12th place, within sight of Raul Fernandez’s Trackhouse Aprilia at the end of the race.
Quartararo, who was using a special fairing on Sunday, expressed his desire to finish the race. He admitted that he would rather crash while fighting for sixth place than settle for a position outside the top 10. The energy and support from the fans motivated him to give his best. Despite the crash, he found solace in the overwhelming response from the crowd. He stated: “It’s been a few years where we haven’t been performing as we should, but running to the box after the crash and hearing the whole crowd shouting your name and calling for you is really exciting.”
© 2024
A new era is beginning in the world of sports, with big changes and surprises for fans. The year 2024 promises to be an exciting time for sports lovers, with high-level sporting events and fierce competitions.
In football, the top teams are preparing for a season full of emotions. Big signings have been made and players are ready to show their talent on the field. Fans are eager to see their favorite teams in action and cheer for exciting victories.
In basketball, the competition is fiercer than ever. Teams are gearing up for the playoffs and players are giving their best to lead their teams to victory. Fans are excited about the possibility of seeing great games and incredible moments on the courts.
In tennis, the big names of the sport are ready to shine. The Grand Slam tournaments promise to be thrilling, with intense matches and fierce rivalries. Fans are eager to see their favorite tennis players in action and cheer for great plays.
Furthermore, other sports are also gaining prominence. Motorsport, volleyball, golf, and many others are ready to surprise fans with exciting competitions and unforgettable moments.
Therefore, get ready for a season full of emotions and incredible moments. The world of sports is ready to surprise us in 2024. Stay tuned and don’t miss any moment of this new sports era.
