Dorna extends broadcasting rights of MotoGP.

Dorna Sports and TVE (Televisi?n Espa?ola) today signed a deal which grants the Spanish prime public network the broadcasting rights for the MotoGP World Championship over the next four seasons. TVE will screen practice sessions and races in the 125, 250 and MotoGP class in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, with an option to extend the deal into 2006. The new agreement also includes the broadcasts of the Motocross World Championship and the Spanish Championship (CEV).

The renewal of the current contract means an extension of a long-term relationship. The premier Spanish channel have followed Grand Prix events closely since the 1970s and have screened every race in each category since 1984. Dorna Sports, who runs all commercial and TV rights for the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix since 1992, have always maintained TVE as one its major partners.

The agreement was signed today in Madrid by TVE's General Director Javier Gonzalez Ferrari and Dorna's CEO Managing Director Carmelo Ezpeleta. The crucial venue for motorcycle racing in Spain was also attended by most of the country's top riders, including Alex Criville, Sete Gibernau, Emilio Alzamora, Fonsi Nieto, Toni Elias, Dani Pedrosa and Joan Olive. Also present was the legendary 13 times world champion Angel Nieto who now acts as an expert commentator for TVE's broadcasts.

In 2001 MotoGP was screened live by over 40 television channels in more than 200 countries around the world, with an average audience of over 350 million people. TVE enjoyed outstanding figures throughout the season, with significant peaks for the three events organised in Spanish territory. During the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, there were an estimated viewing figures of 2,565,000 with a 31.4% market share, whilst at Catalunya they recorded 2,362,000 and in Valencia no fewer than 2,790,000.