In 2022, there will be 22 Grands Prix on the calendar. That's three more than this year, which is not nothing. An inflation which will have consequences on the organizations and the general organization of the teams. Because traveling the world with such diligence will seriously reduce the opportunity to test. As for the annual allocation of engines set by regulation, it will inevitably be debated. And what do the pilots think? Here is a representative sample…
Dorna plans to increase the number of Grand Prix after 2021. Maverick Vinales (yamaha), Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM) and the gifted MotoGP beginner, fabio quartararo (Petronas Yamaha), give their impression.
Until the end of the season in 2021, Dorna's contracts with MotoGP teams provide for a maximum of 20 Grand Prix per year. For the first time, 20 races will be included on the calendar in 2020 because, on July 12, the first Finnish Grand Prix since 1982 is planned on the new Ten Rings. After 2021, the promoter, headed by Carmelo Ezpeleta, wishes to increase the number of Grand Prix races by 20 to 22.
« So at least there should be fewer tests” thought Maverick Vinales. " Okay, it'll be okay if we do more shopping, but we'll need to rest a little too. Not just races, races, trials, races, races without a break, it's always difficult »
Dorna has already taken this aspect into account. Fewer MotoGP tests will actually take place. For example, two-day tests at Valencia after the Grand Prix closing the season will disappear in 2020. “ I like to race, so I'm more into racing, so it's good if there are less attempts" said the factory driver Yamaha .
Pol Espargaro has a slightly different opinion. Which is normal when you listen to his arguments: “ Of course, more races mean more days away from home, not just for us, but for all the families who work in the paddock. Nobody wants that. But we work and travel around the world. More racing ultimately means more people can see us. It's good »
« We also have a few days of testing. If you ask me, I'd like to be home more, but if asked, I'd say we need more testing » said the Red Bull KTM official. “ At KTM we are not in a position to say that we want less testing because we need these tests. You just have to see what we were able to do in Misano after two days of preliminary testing in the same place. » We will recall that he set the second time during qualifying and that he ranked seventh in the San Marino Grand Prix.
« If I have to choose, I'm all for testing. Because we are not in the position of Honda, Yamaha or Ducati, who have a lot of information. We must continue to test. But it is true that we will spend a lot of time away from home “added Pol.
If manufacturers had fewer testing days in the future, development and work on motorcycles would shift more to race weekends. “ It would be the same for everyone. But of course, during six days of testing you do a lot of laps, 60 per day. You can work very hard " said Casa Particular in Viñales.
Et fabio quartararo, what does he say about it? The Frenchman stands out with the carefree freshness of his youth: “ for me, it's really not a problem. I love riding motorcycles. This is what I appreciate most in my life. Every time I test or participate in a FP and qualify, I enjoy it like a child. For me, you have to do 22 races and leave the number of tests unchanged » clearly claims the Niçois.
Currently, only five days of private testing are allowed per driver. Only factories KTM et Aprilia always benefit from the privileges of the “dealer teams” and can therefore carry out tests without restriction.
