Aleix Espargaró said what he thought from the start of the sprint race's arrival in a Grand Prix format that has been revised and corrected accordingly, and now it's Johann Zarco's turn. The Frenchman is less closed-minded on the subject than the Spaniard and that is the least we can say. He acknowledges that it is a sort of leap into the unknown, but he notes that the experience of the discipline should be highlighted in this busy program where there will be even less time to breathe than currently, this which is saying something...
The new Grand Prix program is definitely out and the first comment fromAleix Espargaro was that he expects that Saturday will soon be enthroned as the most day of his life. The official Aprilia also said that he will give his final verdict after the first 2023 meeting which will take place in Portimao from March 24 to 26. And that he will not fail to be as frank as usual in his judgment.
This sprint race and its other innovations are the subject of discussions between the drivers including Johann zarco is part. Listening to him, we realize that fortunately not all of them are upbeat about these new developments. A reaction which does not surprise the Frenchman. He thus recalls that it is instinctive: “ as pilots we didn't quite agree » remembers the veteran of 32 years. But the double Moto2 champion clearly states: “ you now have to get used to it and I think all drivers are capable of adapting to it. It's just human nature to complain rather than adapt ».
Johann Zarco is divided on Q2 on Friday morning: “ experience will help, but the slopes are often cold »
He specifies : " I'm happy that the decision for Q2 was made for Friday. Experience can help a little if you need to be ready on Friday. Everyone drives faster on Saturday morning, but there is also a rush on the track “, explains the Pramac Ducati rider. “ And the slopes are often cold, and that's when it's really scary ».
The Frenchman finishes on speedweek regarding the time factor: “ we usually don't have much time during a MotoGP race weekend. We try to be competitive every session. We don't do as many laps now to make comparisons ". And in 2023, this time is even more limited.
As a reminder, here is the new format which will come into force from the first 2023 Grand Prix in Portimão from March 24 to 26...
Friday program:
09:00: 35 min Moto3 Testing 1
09:50: 40 min Moto2 Testing 1
10:45 a.m.: 45 min MotoGP 1 testing
13:15: 35 min Moto3 Testing 2
14:05: 40 min Moto2 Testing 2
15:00 a.m.: 60 min MotoGP 2 testing
Saturday program:
08:40: 30 min Moto3 free practice
09:25: 30 min Moto2 free practice
10:10 a.m.: 30 min MotoGP free practice
10:50 a.m.: 15 min MotoGP 1 qualifying
11:15 a.m.: 15 min MotoGP Qualifying 2
12:55 p.m.: 15 min Moto3 Qualifying 1
13:20 p.m.: 15 min Moto3 Qualifying 2
13:50 p.m.: 15 min Moto2 Qualifying 1
14:15 p.m.: 15 min Moto2 Qualifying 2
15:00 p.m.: Half distance GP Race Sprint
Sunday program:
09:40: 10 minutes Warm Up MotoGP
10:00 a.m.: 30 minutes MotoGP Riders Fan Show
11:00 p.m.: Moto3 race
12:15 p.m.: Moto2 race
14:00 p.m.: MotoGP race
