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Over 215,000 fans packed into the Red Bull Ring at the 2016 Austrian GP, as MotoGP returned to the country for the first time in nearly two decades. After a weekend of incredible racing against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian landscape, the Grand Prix Commission awarded the Austrian GP the title of best of the year – and the circuit’s incredible infrastructure and facilities are sure to compete for the award once again in 2017.
As the build up to the prestigious ski world cup race in Kitzbühel, Austria, gets underway, CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta, and President of IRTA, Hervé Poncharal, traveled to the country to present the award to Dietrich Mateschitz by the start of the famous Streif ski run on the Hahnenkamm. The award was presented just a few days after reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) took his MotoGP bike for a spin on the snow in Kitzbühel –the first rider to attempt such a feat on two wheels.
Hervé Poncharal, President of IRTA: “The election of the best GP is always quite hard. But this year, you were far, far away. Congratulations to the Red Bull Ring in the name of the whole of MotoGP, all teams, riders, mechanics, technicians. We are very honoured to give you this small trophy, which means a lot to all of us.”
Dietrich Mateschitz, co-founder of Red Bull: “MotoGP is the most exciting race series in the world at the moment. It offers motorsport in its purest, most fascinating form. It was always a real desire of ours to make Austria the scene of one of its fantastic races again. It made us really proud to do that last year. That we have been chosen as the best GP of the year in the first year is really pleasing and a special honor for us.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “The organisers of the Austrian Grand Prix should be proud of their efforts. The staff at the Red Bull Ring were incredible in making all the teams and fans comfortable. The circuit is well thought out with impressive facilities, and great viewing areas around the entire track. The working spaces both in the paddock and media centre are also outstanding. The attendance was astonishing, with Sunday being sold out. It’s really no surprise that the Austrian GP was nominated the best of 2016. It should be the benchmark for all future MotoGP events.”
 Hervé Poncharal, Dietrich Mateschitz, Carmelo Ezpeleta |
