MotoGP gets Drive to Survive-style series on Amazon Prime
MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports is finalising plans to have its own Drive to Survive-style documentary series on the Amazon Prime Video streaming platform.
Drive to Survive, the hit Netflix documentary centred around Formula 1, has proven to be a breakout hit on the streaming service since it premiered in 2019.
The series has brought F1 to a wider mainstream audience, which has in turn boosted interest in the championship – which is projected to broadcast to 1 billion viewers in 2021, courtesy of the impact of Drive to Survive as well as F1’s increased Esports involvement.
On Thursday Motorsport.com reported a similar series was in the works for MotoGP, though there were few details on what it would be.
Motorsport.com can now reveal Dorna Sports is working with Amazon to bring its own behind-the-scenes documentary to its Prime Video streaming platform.
A working group from Mediapro, which is the production company behind the series, is already in Qatar for the opening two rounds of the 2021 season and filming for the documentary.
It is understood the format of MotoGP’s untitled Amazon series will be similar to that of Drive to Survive’s, with the plots of each episode revolving around different characters in the paddock.
Details on series length and release date remain unknown at this stage.
Motorsport.com asked leading MotoGP riders on Thursday during the pre-event press conference for their thoughts on a Drive to Survive-style series for the two-wheeled championship, with the reaction positive from all corners.
MotoGP’s popularity has swelled in recent years as the grid has tightened and the racing has become more competitive.
That boom has particularly been clear in the South East Asian market, with races in Malaysia and Thailand before the pandemic generally hosting sell-out crowds, while MotoGP is constantly working to break into new markets.
In the UK, the switch from free-to-air coverage to paywall when the TV rights were awarded to BT Sport back in 2014 has had a negative impact on MotoGP's popularity.
MotoGP hasn’t had a mainstream documentary release since 2015’s Hitting the Apex, directed by Mark Neale – who has helmed other successful MotoGP documentary films – and produced by Brad Pitt.
Related video
Previous article
Reigning champion Mir "very pissed off" after Qatar practice
Next article
Morbidelli the "man to beat" in Qatar MotoGP, says Miller
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Author | Oriol Puigdemont |
MotoGP 2021 kicks off in Qatar
Mandalika Circuit update
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Qatar Grand Prix
Top 10 most successful Repsol Honda Team riders
Where does Espargaro sit ahead of Marquez's return?
Pol Espargaro’s first results as a Honda MotoGP rider may not appear special. But dig a little deeper and a clearer picture of his performance emerges. And, as Lewis Duncan writes, it’s cause for celebration at Honda with the return of Marc Marquez set to provide Espargaro with the reference he has been missing so far this year
The "pit bull" MotoGP rookie already drawing legendary comparisons
MotoGP’s 2021 rookie crop is one of the strongest in recent years, but one is already standing out. Jorge Martin’s Doha GP heroics have courted many to compare him to numerous MotoGP legends. Autosport spoke to Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti to find out why MotoGP’s latest Spanish star is already making such an impact
Why MotoGP's stewards must revisit Miller and Mir's Losail clash
Despite Suzuki’s decision not to appeal against Race Direction’s refusal to penalise Jack Miller following the incident with Joan Mir in Losail, something must be done to avoid a repeat of such an incident, which could have easily ended in tragedy
Why MotoGP’s top gun looks more dangerous at the Doha GP
Lightning hasn't struck twice for Maverick Vinales since 2017 and his wayward form of recent years makes predicting how he'll fare each MotoGP race weekend tricky. But fresh from his Qatar GP win, Vinales looks like an even more dangerous prospect for the Doha GP following an intriguing Friday practice.
Why MotoGP’s new Amazon Prime series is long overdue
OPINION: MotoGP is getting its own version of Drive to Survive on Amazon Prime at some point in the near future. It was news welcomed by the grid’s leading riders. And following the impact DTS has had on Formula 1, MotoGP desperately needs the same boost.
The key changes behind the latest 'return of the Mack'
Maverick Vinales’s authoritative victory at the MotoGP season opener came during a period of personal and professional change for the Yamaha rider. Can it be the springboard for a title challenge?
Why Lorenzo needs to ditch social media and enjoy retirement
OPINION: Jorge Lorenzo's status as one of the greatest MotoGP riders of all time is hard to dispute. But his constant social media spats with fellow riders and insistence on listing his achievements to his detractors are running the risk of tarnishing a legacy he worked hard to create.
Can leaving a factory team end Rossi’s MotoGP win drought?
It is over three-and-a-half years since the Italian national anthem rang out to declare a Valentino Rossi victory in MotoGP. To some onlookers his move out of the factory Yamaha squad meant the 2017 Dutch TT could remain his final win, but after an encouraging transition at Petronas SRT hope is far from lost
