The 2023 MotoGP world championship will be held with the new sprint race. Yamaha riders and managers highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the new format.
About Diane Tamantini de Motoracing
The new MotoGP format is certainly one of the most discussed topics since it became official. This was also one of the topics discussed during the presentation of Yamaha , the manufacturer that led the way in the opening ceremonies for the 2023 season. Many in the premier class said they were perplexed by the inclusion of a second race on Saturday after qualifying. Something that is already happening in Superbike with the Superpole Race on Sunday, over half the distance of the main races. A calendar with 21 races which therefore become 42 in this year 2023... How did the top management and the drivers of the house with three tuning forks experience it?
« Good question » is the first response from Lynn Jarvis during the presentation. To then reiterate that “ it will be the most difficult and longest year in the history of the MotoGP World Championship. We have to compete in 21 Grands Prix, including 10 outside Europe, starting on March 26 and ending in November ". Added to this is the new Sprint Race on Saturday. “ Half distance and half points » recalled the general manager. “ For the staff and drivers, this means that there will be 42 races this year. It will definitely be difficult, especially for the drivers, but we will do our best. But for the fans, it will probably be even better to watch, if it brings more entertainment, so be it ».
Massimo Meregalli is also on the same line. “ It's a new format, you'll have to get used to it » declared the team director Yamaha . " It will be more demanding for the drivers and for the team: already on Saturday we will have to look at the data to improve for Sunday's race. It will definitely be a challenge ».
Fabio Quartararo and the sprint race: “ these will be intense weekends, but it's our job and we will do it well«
fabio quartararo clarified: “ it will be a big challenge for the pilots “, underlined the reigning MotoGP vice-champion. “ We will have to be constant and watch out for injuries: if we get injured we don't miss a race, but it becomes one and a half. Mentally and physically, it will certainly be a different level than last year ". But not only : " Usually on Saturday afternoon we have a free practice session where we prepare for the race on Sunday. Now, however, we will have a race, already on Friday we will have to think about Q2 but also about the race on Sunday… They will be intense weekends, but it is our job and we will do it well ».
To Franco Morbidelli, it's one more challenge in the year where he will aim for redemption after difficult seasons, but he sees it in a positive way. “ You pay more if you get injured or if there are problems » admitted the 2 Moto2017 world champion. “But the cards are reshuffled and that’s something I like. It will then be exciting for the fans, with one more race every weekend, and everyone loves battles ».
