The big innovation for 2023 was the Sprint race on Saturday, an epochal change for MotoGP, which rewrote the rules of the game. Its format has now completely changed and the short race has put the riders (and not only them) to the test, both from a physical and mental point of view. Dorna has every intention of maintaining the Sprint in all Grands Prix in the future, although it is not certain that the format cannot be revised in light of this season's experience. Francesco Guidotti, KTM team manager, promotes this change, but also has an idea for the future.
“As a fan, it was one of the best championships in recent years. In my opinion, the Sprint is really nice, but also challenging from all points of view, given that it has become the most important event on Saturday, so if anything I would revise qualifying" was his opinion.
How?
“Maybe the Sprint lineup could be decided with the combined times of the two practice sessions, the one on Friday afternoon and the one on Saturday morning, while the results of the sprint could give the starting grid for Sunday's race – was his answer - As I said, I like the Sprint, but I would revise qualifying. From a media point of view, in the past the importance of pole position lasted from Saturday to Sunday, now it only lasts two hours, even if it is very important because it is valid for two races. The risks to which the riders are subjected are a bit too many. Regardless of the points, doing like this in the Sprint it would make sense to push hard even if you are higher than 9th position."
It's not just a question of form, but also of substance, because Guidotti knows very well what stress the riders and teams are now under. With the current format, Friday is already fundamental to get into Q2, so the second round of practice is already effectively a qualifying session, then the following day there is the 'real' one and the short race.
“The tension would ease a little on Friday afternoon, because there would also be Saturday morning to still get a good position for the Sprint. This is my idea to rebalance the format a bit, keeping the first free practice session like now, in order to reduce stress for the riders" concluded the KTM manager.