The MotoGP sprint race debate has just been supercharged, with 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo throwing down a gauntlet: if MotoGP is going to emulate Formula 1's weekend format, it needs to go all in, sprints included!
The Yamaha rider's bold stance comes as MotoGP stakeholders eye a significant format overhaul for 2027, introducing separate qualifying sessions for the sprint and main Grand Prix races.
Key Points from El Diablo:
- Fabio Quartararo insists MotoGP should match Formula 1's sprint race numbers if adopting a similar weekend structure.
- He welcomes the proposed 2027 changes, including dedicated sprint qualifying, provided it leads to a truly F1-esque sprint calendar.
- Despite acknowledging increased safety risks from more starts, Quartararo is prepared for more sprint action.
- The French star voiced frustration over the lack of rider consultation in these crucial format decisions.
Quartararo's Vision: Embracing the F1 Sprint Model
MotoGP is on the cusp of a major transformation. For 2027, plans are solidifying to introduce two distinct qualifying sessions per round, likely trimming practice time. This move would see riders secure separate grid positions for Saturday's sprint and Sunday's main event, mirroring the Formula 1 sprint weekend structure.
But for Fabio Quartararo, merely adopting the qualifying structure isn't enough. "If they want to do like F1, we should do the same number of sprint races like F1," declared the Yamaha ace. It’s a clear signal that if MotoGP is chasing the F1 model, it should commit fully to the spectacle.
Currently, Formula 1 hosts six sprint races, with plans to expand to 10 in 2027. Quartararo is not only on board with this increase but even suggests he'd be happy with 12, or even a full 22 sprints if that's the chosen path. His message is unequivocal: go big or go home.
The High Stakes of More Races
While Quartararo embraces the idea of more sprints, he's acutely aware of the associated risks. The sprint format hasn't been universally adored by riders, primarily due to heightened injury concerns. Every race start is a moment of intense stress and vulnerability.
"The amount of stress and everything we have during the starts. For safety, we know that the start is the most dangerous," Quartararo explained. His pragmatism shines through: if the series is demanding more sprint action, then it must be prepared to address the inherent safety implications of increased starts.
A Plea for Rider Input: Why Voices Matter
Beyond the number of races, Quartararo echoed a simmering frustration among riders: the perceived lack of consultation in shaping MotoGP's future. Major decisions, like the introduction of sprints, have often felt imposed rather than collaboratively decided.
"They had the sprints without really asking [the riders], so I don't think [they would]," he noted, referring to potential future discussions. While acknowledging riders are ultimately there to compete – "If they tell us to do 22 sprints, we do 22 sprints" – there's a clear desire for their unique insights to be valued in the decision-making process. The riders are the ones on the track, risking it all; their perspective on format changes and safety is invaluable.
