Last year, MotoGP introduced Sprint Races – held on Saturdays, featuring half the distance and points of the regular Sunday races. These Sprint Races occur at every Grand Prix.
The aim was to boost public interest in the championship by creating additional content, ensuring that every day of a race weekend features at least one decisive session: Friday afternoon practice which determines the top ten qualifiers for the second qualifying; Saturday’s qualifying and Sprint Race; and the main race on Sunday.
However, the concept hasn’t been unanimous, even among riders, who have varying opinions on the Sprint Race. Quoted by ANSA, Luca Marini shared his views on the format, admitting that he is still not fully convinced due to the different sensations it creates:
– It’s a more modern format that could work, although the Sunday race loses some of its value. At first, we were all against it, and even now I’m not entirely sure if I like it because you also lose the tension of the Sunday race, which I really enjoyed. Instead, you arrive with a different feeling.