This weekend, Formula 1 returns to the Spa Francorchamps track and before entering hostilities, some of its drivers focused on this validation by MotoGP of the sprint race. The major motorsport category has known the concept for two years, but has implemented it differently from what is expected in motorcycle Grand Prix. To try it is to adopt it, they say, but MotoGP adopted it without trying it, and that's surprising...
First of all, we will remember that the sprint race in Formula 1 is different from that which will be on the MotoGP Grand Prix program in 2023. Thus, for single-seaters, it is a question of defining the starting grid for the Sunday race, with a distribution of points much less than half of the capital of a complete test expected for motorcycles. Finally, F1 adopts this pattern only in certain events, and not in all those on the calendar of a season, as is planned for next year with the two wheels.
This clarification made, there is also an aspect which surprised in particular a George Russell and which is this: “ I think it's quite bold of MotoGP to make this decision without trying it ". And the colleague of a starting grid where we count a Fernando Alonso who rated the MotoGP sprint race as a “ excellent idea » adds: “ I think we were lucky in F1 because we had some time to try it and see if it works. I think MotoGP and Formula 1 are two very different beasts ».
« With two fewer wheels than in Formula 1, there is a greater chance of making mistakes or falling and getting injured »
He specifies in particular: “ Obviously, with two less wheels, there's more chance of making mistakes or falling and getting hurt so I guess there's potentially a bit more leeway for us. It's bold, but I think overall when I look at a number of sports and the direction that F1 is going, we're in such a great time at the moment that we have to be very grateful for the work that F1 is doing ».
He ends on Motorsport : " it's quite exceptional to see the growth and excitement around this sport in comparison with others who have plateaued or disappeared »… Evolve or die said Jorge Lorenzo... The WSBK has also been in this formula since 2019 and is all the better for it according to one of its protagonists currently at the head of said championship and Ducati official: Alvaro Bautista, who also has 16 seasons in Grand Prix behind him.
