Sprint races have emerged on the MotoGP landscape, shaking up the Grand Prix program as well as the habits of teams and drivers. A disturbing factor which was nevertheless metabolized by the paddock. Thus, the free-for-all of the first games became rarer during the second part of the campaign and even if the tension never went down a notch in an already naturally flammable environment, it will be necessary to do so again in 2024 with the Kazakhstan meeting in addition. If the principle of the existence of these races closing on Saturday is no longer called into question, it is still requested not to experience them at each Grand Prix...
A request made in the paddock including Massimo Rivola, boss ofAprilia Racing echoed this: “ I proposed the Superpole, but I was told that with the current format including Sprints, it does not correspond, the timing does not correspond » begins the Italian, talking about reviewing the course of qualifying.
Then he adds Mister Helmet : " I have to say that objectively, the Sprints have generated interest in MotoGP but everyone is tired – the riders, but also us. Honestly, If we did half and not all, I wouldn't mind. So it would be enough to find common ground between us and Formula 1, where they only do five or six ».
« Sprints brought a significant increase in audience between last year and this year »
Promoter Dorna, for its part, has always declared itself open to discussion on these Sprints, but the negotiation window is narrow. We will thus recall the position of Carlos Ezpeleta : " this season was new for everyone and in the end, the teams and drivers managed to manage the race weekend better. We like to have the same format every weekend, considering the impact on fans and television, as the numbers have been impressive. Our goal is to continue what we are doing ».
« The new format was really positive. The numbers speak for themselves: we had the most viewers in a season, with a significant increase in viewership between last year and this year it took a while for the teams and drivers to get used to the process. I think now that they have understood this and saw the risks and benefits on Saturday and Sunday, everything is a little more stable. But we will continue to talk to the drivers and evaluate the format » adds Carmelo's son and sports director of Dorna.
