The decision to implement separate qualifying sessions for Sprint races starting from the 2027 MotoGP season has caused debate among riders. Marc Marquez, a Ducati rider, protested the lack of input during the decision-making process, arguing that the new format will increase the burden on the riders.
The new race weekend format announced by the MotoGP management for 2027 was a major agenda item before the Indonesian Grand Prix. Under this new arrangement, Sprint and Grand Prix race starting grids will be determined by separate qualifying sessions. The Friday schedule will feature a 45-minute FP1 and a 30-minute FP2 session, followed by a 15-minute Sprint qualifying session. Saturday will continue with Grand Prix qualifying and the Sprint race, while the practice session on Sunday morning will be completely removed from the schedule. This change means riders will have to compete in two separate qualifying battles throughout the race weekend.
The Burden on Riders Under the New Format
Marc Marquez expressed the difficulties the new format will bring for the riders. Marquez stated that the current schedule is already sufficiently intense, and the change will place greater physical and mental strain on the riders.
First, we need to understand the main purpose of this change. Because from the riders' perspective, the schedule only becomes more intense and more exhausting.
Marquez openly voiced his discomfort regarding how the decisions for this regulation are being made. The Spanish rider emphasized that riders' influence over the decisions made by the organizers is limited.
The teams and the organization make the decisions. Either you accept them or you don't. That is the situation.
Several years ago in MotoGP, the inclusion of Sprint races was criticized for not involving sufficient consultation with the riders. The absence of an official union representation for riders has led to this debate resurfacing.
Acosta's Warning About His Career
Pedro Acosta, the teammate at Ducati, also believes that the new format will increase the physical load on the riders. Acosta warned that the increasing intensity of race weekends could shorten the careers of MotoGP riders.
When asked by Marc Marquez, Acosta's assessment was supportive of the experienced rider.
I completely agree. My career is almost over, but I absolutely agree with Acosta.
This statement indicates that the discussion will not only concern sporting competition but also the long-term physical endurance of the riders.
The Organization's Lack of Communication
Series leader Jorge Martin, while not as negative as Marquez regarding the new format, pointed to the lack of communication in the decision-making process. Martin stated that separate qualifying for Sprint races could be undesirable, while expressing discomfort over the lack of input from the riders. Martin argued that the organization should show more interest in riders' opinions rather than merely approving or disapproving of the new program.
I completely agree with Marc. That is the situation. As long as we do not act as one, there is nothing we can do.
This view emphasized that the debate is not solely about whether the new program is liked or disliked.
Whether I like the program is not important. I am curious and I think it will be undesirable. But I feel like they haven't even asked for our opinion. It would be better if the organization showed a little more interest in riders' views.
The MotoGP's preparation to change the race weekend format along with technical regulations in 2027 signals the beginning of a new era in the championship. However, the statements by Marquez, Acosta, and Martin clearly show the riders' desire to be more involved in the decision-making process during this transformation.
Statements
Marc Marquez:
What is the main purpose of this change?
Marc Marquez:
The current schedule is sufficient. But we do not give them the decisions. That is the situation, and we have to keep silent.
Figures
- Marc Marquez finished 2nd in the 2026 MotoGP season with 353 points (Ducati Team).
- Archive: Jorge Martin: "Not fast enough to compete against Marquez" (October 11, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
