Claude Michy: “The attendance was exceptional, there are no other words”

The only private promoter of the calendar, Claude Michy is at the head of the PHA company which has organized the French GP since 1994. After two difficult years hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 edition – the 29^e of PHA -, was a real success which was watched by less than 225 over the three days.

Despite this undeniable success which perfectly illustrates the return to normality, Claude Michy remains modest... Summary of this “magic” weekend. 

Claude, what is your assessment of this French GP? 

“I’m going to be humble! It was beautiful and I received a lot of congratulations, so it must have gone well. I was congratulated by Carmelo (Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, editor’s note), team managers, and a whole bunch of people. Our clientele evolves, changes and has become younger in recent years. There were a lot of children, families... and the crowds were exceptional, there are no other words. »

CRAZY atmosphere at Le Mans! 🔥👏

The public in support of our French 💪🇫🇷#FrenchGP pic.twitter.com/l5VgLiX8ei

— CANAL+ MotoGP™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) May 15, 2022

Is this attendance linked to the performance of fabio quartararo and Johann Zarco or is it also linked to this return to post-Covid normality? 

“We had already sold 84 tickets in 000 and 2018. Firstly, it sold very quickly and secondly, Fabio’s title most certainly shed light on motorcycling in France. And with everything that Canal+ does, etc., the vision is a little different and you broaden the range of interest in relation to different audiences. There are of course Johann's performances... we're going to put everyone in the same basket. Then, I think there is also all the work that we have been doing for many years. There is therefore a form of loyalty and the desire to take good care of our customers. We started sales being a little optimistic at the end of September, “book now, pay in January-February”, and I think that’s what taking care of the public and the customer is. You always have a few little mistakes, like advertising panels that are not placed in the right place and that obscure the view a little... these are points of detail that need to be corrected. I also find that there was very good behavior from the public. For example, when there was the Moulin Rouge show, while we were all in full excitement, there was silence. There was not a whistle or inappropriate gestures and they received a standing ovation. »

Le @red Mill at Le Mans 🥰💃#FrenchGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/fJUzJDDMj0

- CANAL + MotoGP ™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) May 15, 2022

How proud were you of this 2022 French GP? 

“I would say it’s recognition. One evening there was a dinner with Lucio Cecchinello (LCR), Razlan Razali (WithU Yamaha RNF)… and all the different teams. Carmelo was also present. I was about to leave and Carmelo called me and everyone stood up to applaud. It’s also moving and we can’t remain indifferent to that. Coming back from the grid to return to my office, Lin Jarvis (managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing) came running out of his box to congratulate me! I think that when you have worked hard and for a very long time to build something that matches the performance of the drivers and everything that Dorna does, if they appreciate what has been done, then we are not far from the truth. »

Unlike last year, neither of the two French people finished on the podium, do you have a little regret deep down? 

“No, I don’t regret it at all, they both performed well. They booked themselves for our 30^e edition at the head of the French GP organization (laughs). »

The thrills 🎶🇫🇷#FrenchGP pic.twitter.com/w5e0uow2p9

- CANAL + MotoGP ™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) May 15, 2022