MotoGP will hold Formula 1-style sprint races at every round of the championship from 2023, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and organizers announced on Saturday ahead of qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg.
Formula 1 approved a plan in February to hold three sprint races instead of six in 2022 after testing it in three races last year, and MotoGP said it would follow suit although their sprint races have no bearing on grid positions.
“We are going to introduce from next year a Saturday sprint race in every Grand Prix,” FIM President Jorge Viegas told reporters.
“We believe that after two years of COVID we have all made incredible sacrifices to continue to have this important championship and it is time to give more visibility on television but also to spectators. We need more spectators and of a better show.
“There are some details to be decided with the teams, drivers and manufacturers. These sprint races will not count for the grid. This will be defined by qualifying.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP promoters Dorna Sports, said the aim of the championship was to try to improve all aspects.
“We looked at other sports, different possibilities to put on a better show,” Ezpeleta said. “It has been discussed with the FIM, the manufacturers and the teams.
Reigning MotoGP world champion Fabio Quartararo lashed out at plans for sprint racing on Friday.
“I’m not the one making the decisions on race formats, but I think we’re going into a totally stupid format,” Quartararo said as quoted by Autosport.com.
“If we do it once in a while, like in Formula 1, I think it can be interesting, but every Saturday… Honestly, there are circuits where you are physically exhausted, like Assen, Mugello.
“When you finish the race, you’re exhausted. Honestly, I don’t think it’s right to do that without asking the riders’ opinion. Or at least I haven’t been asked.”