In a groundbreaking move that bridges the worlds of cricket and motorsports, Eurosport India has announced the appointment of renowned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan as the brand ambassador for MotoGP™ in India. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the promotion of motorcycle racing in a country traditionally dominated by cricket fandom.
The Brand Ambassador Announcement
Shikhar Dhawan: From Cricket Pitch to Racing Track
Shikhar Dhawan, known for his aggressive batting style and charismatic presence on the cricket field, is set to bring his dynamism to the world of MotoGP. His appointment as brand ambassador is expected to leverage his immense popularity to attract a wider audience to motorcycle racing in India.
The ‘Face Kar Race Kar’ Campaign
Capturing the Spirit of MotoGP™
Eurosport India has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Face Kar Race Kar’, featuring Dhawan as the face of MotoGP in India. This innovative campaign is designed to:
- Encapsulate the indomitable spirit of MotoGP™
- Celebrate resilience in the face of challenges
- Inspire fans to approach life’s obstacles with the determination of a MotoGP racer
The slogan ‘Face Kar Race Kar’ cleverly combines Hindi and English, resonating with the Indian audience while maintaining the international appeal of the sport.
MotoGP™ 2024 Season Overview
Current Standings and Future Races
The 2024 MotoGP™ season is well underway, with exciting developments:
- 9 races completed so far
- 11 more races scheduled across Europe, Asia, and Australia
- Season finale: BritishGP at Silverstone on August 2nd
Leading Contenders
The championship battle is intensifying with:
- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) leading the standings
- Jorge Martin (Pramac Ducati) following closely, just 10 points behind
This close competition adds to the excitement that Dhawan and the new campaign aim to capitalize on.
Eurosport India’s Strategic Moves
Broadcasting Rights and Partnerships
Eurosport India has made significant strides in securing its position as a premier sports broadcaster:
- Reacquisition and extension of MotoGP™ broadcasting rights in India
- Three-year partnership with Dorna, solidifying long-term commitment to the sport
- Expansion of sports coverage beyond motorsports, including:
- Golf
- Cycling
- Pro Wrestling
- Table Tennis
- Marathon events
Cricket Partnerships
Eurosport India’s recent collaborations in the cricket world include:
- Partnership with the Afghanistan Cricket Board
- Broadcasting rights for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
These partnerships demonstrate Eurosport India’s commitment to offering a diverse and comprehensive sports lineup to its viewers.
Impact and Future Prospects
Bridging Sports Communities
The appointment of Shikhar Dhawan as MotoGP’s brand ambassador in India represents a unique cross-pollination of sports interest. This move has the potential to:
- Introduce MotoGP to a wider audience of cricket fans
- Create new marketing opportunities for both sports
- Enhance the overall sports viewing experience for Indian audiences
Growing the Motorsport Fan Base
By leveraging Dhawan’s popularity and the engaging ‘Face Kar Race Kar’ campaign, Eurosport India aims to:
- Increase viewership for MotoGP races
- Build a stronger motorsport culture in India
- Create a new generation of motorcycle racing enthusiasts
