Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1477536
VOLUME 59 ISSUE 35 AUGUST 30, 2022 P131 confident it would increase Mo- toGP's appeal. A step closer, said Dorna Chief Carmelo Ezpeleta, not only reinforcing MotoGP as the most exciting motor sport in the world, but also making it the most popular. A statement unlikely to have Formula 1 bosses biting their nails. It would give TV stations something more important on Saturday afternoons, and swell ticket sales. If racing success is measured only by these factors, then the enthusiasm of its promoters is understandable. Likewise, the dismay of tradi- tionalist detractors. For them, a shorter Saturday race dilutes the value of the pinnacle of motor- cycle racing's main event on Sunday. A matinee that under- mines the big show. Other objections raised the increased danger of double the number of races, especially rac- ing starts, each year, and further loss of practice time for engi- neering development and rider skills (the race will take the place of one full practice session, so there is no extra distance or track time entailed). More importantly, many sug- gested this was a sticking plaster on a broken bone—window- dressing that, instead of solving problems, is just another step in turning MotoGP into soap opera. Or reality TV show. A sort of Strictly Come Rac- ing or Track Idol … although without giving the fans a chance to vote on who will win. To be sure, there are posi- tive aspects to a high-intensity sprint—pure flat-out racing with- out having to save tires, energy or fuel. Could be a lot of fun. The Sprint also offers a rider who suffers a crash or a me- chanical problem the chance not to come away with zero points for the weekend. On the other hand, an injury could mean los- ing 37 (25 plus 12) points instead of just 25. Similar things happen else- where. In WorldSBK, there's the Sunday morning Superpole race, a ten-lap sprint, also carry- ing half points. In Formula 1, at three races, 100km dashes—with no manda- tory tire changes and pit stops, this is a refreshing change from the long and often convoluted tactical full races. In both cases, these races determine grid positions. This won't happen here, thanks very much. Ezpeleta and his cohorts were at pains to stress that MotoGP had not taken its inspiration from Super- bikes or F1. If this smacks of arrogance—a charge that fits the bombastic Dorna chief rather well—it is not in a good way. Using a sprint race to determine grid positions might not actually be a bad idea at all. Especially if that is its main purpose, rather than carrying reduced championship points or a bogus GP win. Riders already complain that the first three free practices are basically high-risk flat-out qualifying sessions rather than a chance to refine techniques and bike settings, since with overtak- ing so difficult where you start is often also where you finish. (Then again, how would you de- termine grid slots for the sprint?) It is true that something needed to be done. Popular or not, this is just the first of a raft of promised changes, yet to be announced. Window-dressing has never been more timely. CN To be sure, there are positive aspects to a high- intensity sprint— pure flat-out racing without having to save tires, energy or fuel. Could be a lot of fun.