MotoGP, Paolo Simoncelli: “I know someone who would’ve enjoyed the Sprint Race”

The first stage of the 2023 World Championship has undoubtedly presented us with many interesting ideas. Viewers and spectators were divided pretty much in half, between those who really appreciated the new format of the race weekend and those who vetoed it without half measures. As part of the chorus of voices, there was also Paolo Simoncelli, who lined up Toba and Rossi in the Moto3 and wanted to speak his mind, remembering someone who would’ve really liked the Sprint Race. Marco’s name didn’t come up, but there’s little doubt that good old Paolo was referring to the unforgettable and unforgotten Sic. 

The following is from his blog, which you can also find  HERE.

“An interesting MotoGP. Aatypical, at times explosive (in every sense). A MotoGP like we’ve never seen before, where everything aims at the entertainment factor. Everything evolves, even the introduction of the much talked about sprint race. In my opinion, it did its duty, namely to keep the attention of viewers and spectators high. Original and alternative, a full-fledged show. Just what was needed. Obviously, there are some things that need to be fixed, and others need to settle into place. They could give something more to the minor categories, since the new format keeps the MotoGP riders busy all day.

But as far as we’re concerned, I can consider myself quite satisfied. Toba was doing well. He was a bit swamped. He took a downturn when he received the track limit warning. A warning that appears on the dashboard when the rider goes on the green and, after the second time, he’s forced to do a long lap penalty. In short, there’s work to be done, but he demonstrated that he was there. He was back there, with his breath on the necks of the ones up front.

About Rossi. I just want to say that it was a bit of a bad day…We’re confident leaving for Argentina. I have a good team and two good riders I believe in.

I liked the fierce spirit I saw in the sprint race. I know someone who would’ve had a lot of fun in it, even if the sideswipes and some exuberance were considered maneuvers that were excessive and at the limit.”