Márquez: "The sprint races will make the MotoGP World Championship more spectacular"

August 20, 2022

This Saturday, the different bodies involved in the organization of the championship made this change of format official, which, among other things, will mean the holding of a short or sprint race, which will take place every Grand Prix Saturday, and which will distribute half of the points than a conventional one.

On Friday, before the announcement, the riders of the heavy bike category gave their opinion on the matter. Marc Márquez did not have time to offer his point of view, despite being present at the Red Bull Ring until early in the afternoon.

However, the Honda man analyzed for Motorsport.com the initiative promoted by Dorna, the promoter, and supported by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), the Manufacturers’ Association (MSMA) and the teams’ Association (IRTA). The shock responds to the will of all the parties involved in the World Cup to increase the spectacle of the event. In the eyes of the Spaniard, it is a successful maneuver because it enhances the most attractive window of the weekend, which starts when the traffic lights go out and ends when the checkered flag is waved.

“I think it’s a wise decision, especially because it’s in favor of the show. As a driver I like Sundays, because that’s when the races are held,” replies Márquez, in a telephone conversation with Motorsport.com.

“The sprint races will make MotoGP more spectacular and will give a different point of view of the weekend. There will be less time for rehearsals, and that will make the work of the factories even more important”, deepens the rider from Cervera (Lleida) , who, while waiting for the results of the revision to which he must undergo on his right arm next week, hopes to be able to get back on the bike in the last tests of the calendar.

Márquez, who went through a period of nine months off as a result of the crash he suffered in Jerez (July 2020), and who has not competed since the Italian Grand Prix after undergoing a fourth operation on his right arm, claims to be aware of the increased risk that runners take to compete in double the number of events. But, in his opinion, this is part of the game: “Can there be something more risky? Yes, but we are pilots and I personally accept it.”

For #93, this revolution should not stop here, but should be complemented with other elements that trigger the popularity of the World Cup.

“It is becoming more and more important to adapt to the environment, and that is what Dorna is doing. Efforts are being made, and this new format is proof of that. In addition, I believe that things cannot end here, but that we must continue looking for a way to engage more people, and I see the championship as open to it”, emphasizes Márquez.