Fabio Di Giannantonio has raised concerns over MotoGP's plans to introduce a separate qualifying session for sprint races, warning that another high-pressure session could place even greater demands on riders.
MotoGP is considering changing its weekend format from 2027, with sprint races potentially receiving their own qualifying session instead of sharing the grid with Sunday's Grand Prix. The proposal would bring MotoGP closer to Formula 1's sprint format, where separate qualifying sessions are used to set the grids for the sprint and main race.
The idea has received broad support from teams and manufacturers, but VR46 Ducati rider Di Giannantonio believes the impact on rider workload also needs to be considered.
MotoGP already has one of the busiest calendars in its history, with 22 rounds and 44 races scheduled across the season. Riders also face a demanding weekend format that requires them to push hard from Friday practice through Saturday's sprint and Sunday's Grand Prix.
Di Giannantonio said he understands MotoGP's desire to improve the show for fans, but believes that pursuit should not come at the expense of rider health.
The Italian pointed out that crashes in MotoGP can result in serious injuries, making the physical demands of competing at the limit throughout the season particularly challenging.
He also questioned whether another qualifying session would add meaningful value for riders who are already required to perform at maximum intensity across the weekend.
Source: Crash.net
The current format already leaves little room to ease off. Riders have only one straightforward practice session on Friday before the afternoon session becomes crucial for securing a place directly in Q2. Saturday then brings qualifying and the sprint, followed by the full Grand Prix on Sunday.
Di Giannantonio would instead prefer to see more relaxed practice time, giving riders greater opportunity to manage their physical condition during long seasons.
His comments come as MotoGP continues to look for ways to increase the entertainment value of its weekends. Sprint races were introduced in 2023 and have since become a regular part of every Grand Prix weekend.
The proposed additional qualifying session would give the sprint its own grid, meaning Saturday's qualifying would determine the starting order for the shorter race while another session would set the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix.
For Di Giannantonio, however, the discussion is about more than the format itself. He also believes riders have limited influence over major decisions affecting the championship.
Unlike Formula 1, MotoGP does not have a formal riders' association equivalent to the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, leaving riders with less direct involvement in some of the sport's major decisions.
As MotoGP prepares for further changes in 2027, the debate over sprint qualifying highlights a wider challenge for the championship: finding the balance between creating a more engaging weekend for fans and ensuring riders can compete at the highest level without pushing their physical limits too far.
