Think of MotoGP as a symphony, where every note counts to compose the champion's anthem. Ducati virtuoso Francesco Bagnaia strikes a new chord by suggesting that the points system should be revised to include bonuses, adding exciting crescendos to the current Sprint/Grand Prix format.
With the introduction of the Sprint races in 2023, the MotoGP points system has taken on a new dimension, but some, like Francis Bagnaia, think it is time to go even further. The pilot Ducati, who lost the title in 2024 to George Martin Despite an impressive number of victories, believes that an adjustment could add spice to the championship.
Currently, a driver can score a maximum of 37 points per weekend, or 25 points for a Grand Prix victory and 12 points for a Sprint victory.
This format has made consistency even more crucial. In 2024, bagnaia won 11 Grands Prix, but his eight non-scores deprived him of the title, which he won Martin thanks to his consistency (only three races off the podium).
The idea of bagnaia is to introduce bonus points to reward excellence, including one point for the fastest lap et an extra point for a Sprint/Grand Prix double.
In 2024, these adjustments would have added 11 points to Bagnaia's total, but even with these bonuses, Martin would have retained the title. However, it would have changed the dynamics of the championship and encouraged more drivers to push harder for those bonus points.
Marc Marquez does not agree with Francesco Bagnaia
Le fastest lap is an idea borrowed from the Formula 1, where it was introduced in 2019, but with mixed success. In MotoGP, however, the closeness of the field and shorter races could make this bonus point more relevant, as it would depend more on pure pace than late tyre strategies. In 2024, eight pilots different have achieved the fastest lap in a Grand Prix, showing that this point could be accessible to a wide range of competitors.
Any change to the points system attracts criticism, often accused of being artificial and contrary to the "spirit of MotoGP". Marc Marquez, now teammate of bagnaia in Ducati, opposes on crash.net to these adjustments: " The current system is balanced. It allows the championship to remain open until the end"
It is true that the current format has produced two consecutive seasons of thrilling finals.
The introduction of Sprint races has already proven that bold tweaks can be well-received and quickly integrated into the format. Adding bonus points for fast laps or perfect weekends could make each session more competitive, provide opportunities for drivers off the podium to access extra points and intensify the strategic battles in a championship where every point counts.
While these proposals remain in the debate stage, they reflect a desire to innovate to keep MotoGP exciting, competitive, and relevant to its modern audience. Of course, purists will say it's artificial, a discordant note in the melody of the sport. But let's remember that sprints have already shaken up this tradition, proving that innovation can become a new norm.
MotoGP is at a crossroads, where every turn can lead to a new adventure or a repetition of what has already been seen. bagnaia proposes to explore these new routes. The paddock now waits to see if these ideas will resonate with the championship decision-makers.
