IZOD IndyCar Series viewership up in Brazil
Household ratings for the first two IZOD IndyCar Series races on TV Bandeirantes, which broadcasts races live in Brazil, are up 40 percent over the same events in 2011 — a display of the series' international appeal.
The 7.2 household share (households watching TV) and 3.0 rating (households watching BAND) for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama were higher than every race in 2011 and 2010 but the Indy 300 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg recorded a 5.8 share.
Similarly, the 1.3 individual rating for the 90-lap race April 1 at Barber Motorsports Park was the third-highest since the beginning of the 2010 season (the past Sao Paulo races producing 2.0 and 1.5 ratings). More than 769,400 individuals watched the entertaining race on the 2.38-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park road course on BAND.
Brazilian Helio Castroneves started from the pole and finished third. Compatriot Rubens Barrichello, participating in his second IZOD IndyCar Series race after 19 years in Formula One competition, advanced six spots relative to his qualifying and finished eighth.
Up next for the IZOD IndyCar Series is the 38th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach scheduled for 3:30 p.m. (ET) April 15 on NBC Sports Network. Mike Conway is the defending race winner.