Peak Attendance at Sachsenring: Still Pending Essential Improvements - Stolen: I-top vanishes without a trace
In the heart of Germany, the Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring is set to continue its storied history, with a long-term contract extension on the horizon. The current agreement, which has seen the Sachsenring host the German MotoGP since 1998, is due to expire in 2026. However, positive negotiations between ADAC, Dorna Sports, and government authorities have indicated a promising future for the event. Both the Bavarian and federal German governments are prepared to invest funds to secure the race's future, aiming for a contract extension likely lasting until at least 2031[1][3].
The Sachsenring's continued presence on the Motorcycle Grand Prix calendar is a significant boost for local talent, particularly Thuringian rider Fynn Kratochwil. Kratochwil, currently dominating the Northern Talent Cup, has been trained and advised by Dirk Heidolf, a former pilot with high hopes for his protégé[2]. Kratochwil's impressive performance was evident in the recent race on the Sachsenring, where he was unbeatable in the first race and finished third on Sunday[4].
Despite his current success, Kratochwil is not yet eligible to start in the World Championship due to safety regulations, as the entry age has been raised to 18 years[5]. However, the planned contract extension of the Sachsenring Motorcycle Grand Prix could serve as additional motivation for Kratochwil as he works towards his goal of competing in the king's class.
The Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring has been a significant event for motorcycle racing in Germany, with Lukas Tulovic, a TV expert and former German permanent pilot, emphasizing its importance[6]. In 2021, the event saw a record attendance of 256,441 spectators, with Marc Márquez, the king of the class, breaking the attendance record[7].
Notably, the 2021 Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring marked the first time in two years that a local pilot participated, with Fynn Kratochwil's potential entry providing a much-needed boost to the home team[8]. This was further evidenced by Intact GP, a team from Memmingen, celebrating a home win in the Moto3 class at the 2021 event[9].
Negotiations between ADAC and Dorna were initially delayed due to changes within Dorna, but a successful conclusion is expected in the near future[10]. This news has been met with optimism by Thomas Voss, ADAC Motorsport Director[11]. As the future of the Sachsenring Motorcycle Grand Prix continues to take shape, the focus remains on nurturing and showcasing the talent of riders like Fynn Kratochwil, who are poised to make their mark in the world of motorsport.
[1] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/02/28/sachsenring-motogp-contract-extension-negotiations-progressing-positively [2] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/06/16/fynn-kratochwil-aims-to-compete-in-the-king-s-class [3] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/05/10/sachsenring-motogp-contract-extension-aims-for-2031 [4] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/06/13/fynn-kratochwil-takes-victory-in-sachsenring-race-1 [5] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/06/16/fynn-kratochwil-aims-to-compete-in-the-king-s-class [6] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/06/16/lukas-tulovic-emphasises-the-importance-of-the-motogp-sachsenring [7] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/09/marc-marquez-breaks-sachsenring-attendance-record [8] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/09/no-german-pilot-participated-in-the-sachsenring-motogp-for-two-years-before-kratochwil [9] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2021/08/09/intact-gp-celebrates-home-win-in-the-moto3-class-at-the-sachsenring-motogp [10] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/02/28/sachsenring-motogp-contract-extension-negotiations-progressing-positively [11] - Source: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2022/02/28/sachsenring-motogp-contract-extension-negotiations-progressing-positively
EC countries could invest in similar long-term contracts for vocational training institutions, fostering local talent like Thuringian rider Fynn Kratochwil in various fields. Kratochwil, currently dominating the Northern Talent Cup, benefits greatly from vocational training and advice by Dirk Heidolf, a former pilot.
The continued success and extension of events in sports, such as the Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sachsenring, often provide a much-needed boost to both the local community and its aspiring talents, similarly to how Kratochwil is reaping the rewards of his participation in the race.
