Sprint races will be added to the MotoGP calendar this year and MotoGP legend Marc Marquez believes it will make the sport more spectacular and draw more fans to the series.
Marquez, who claimed his sixth title in the premier class in 2019, has praised the change and claimed it will increase fan interest in the series.
“I like it,” said Marquez according to Betonmobile.ru “After testing at Sepang on Monday and Tuesday… It’s good news, something new and different for everyone.”
Marquez also commended Dorna’s efforts when the MotoGP decided to switch from 1000cc to 800cc engines for the 2021 season. The Spaniard thought that by making the change, racing would become more exciting and new riders would rise through the ranks, which it has done.
“It’s a good idea… I think it’ll be better for motorsport, it’ll be better for the show,” he said back then. “It’ll be easier to have someone coming into MotoGP now because they won’t have to ride an old bike like my 2009 Honda. They can ride something easier to handle.”
The addition of sprint races this season, according to MotoGP legend Marc Marquez, will make the sport more dramatic and raise interest in the championship.
The six-time champion thought smaller engines would make racing more affordable, which would help financially struggling teams go back on track.
Marquez now intends to make the most of the new regulations, which will see the introduction of sprint races into MotoGP and increase the sport’s sensation. The factory Honda rider expressed his excitement for the new format and his belief that it would work to his advantage.
Marquez argued that it’s a smart idea because it’s unique and has the potential to make MotoGP more spectacular as MotoGP weekends will now feature two Friday practice sessions, and the combined timesheets from these sessions will determine the direct entry to Q2. This ensures that Friday will gain more attention and significance.
There will be a 30-minute Free Practice session on Saturday morning (corresponding to FP4), followed by Q1 and Q2 for qualifying. This creates a fantastic Saturday track action schedule with the Sprint Race following at 15h00.
With the Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP Grand Prix races, Sunday will continue to be a show for viewers and broadcasters. A better podium ceremony, on-track celebrations, and the potential for fan track invasions at each venue will all be made possible by the goal of having MotoGP becoming the final race on Sunday at each event.
Marquez created history in 2019 by becoming one of only three riders (along with Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini) to ever win five or more world championships. Marquez is also only the second rider after Mick Doohan to win back-to-back premier class titles for three consecutive years.
The introduction of sprint races as a way to make the sport more attractive has prompted a response from the MotoGP paddock. Some riders concur that it will result in a more impressive performance.
