**Should MotoGP Implement Sprint Races for Starting Grid?**
MotoGP made a bold move at the beginning of the 2023 season by introducing sprint races, shaking up the traditional weekend format that fans and teams had grown accustomed to. While many have praised this change, there are voices of dissent that believe it has shifted focus away from qualifying and added more pressure on teams.
**Former KTM Team Manager Advocates for Change**
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport-Total.com, former KTM team manager Francesco Guidotti proposed a radical idea for MotoGP: using the results from the sprint race to determine the starting grid for the grand prix. This would not only ease the stress on teams during Friday’s second practice session but also potentially revolutionize the way races are structured.
**Drawing Inspiration from World Superbike Championship**
Guidotti drew inspiration from the World Superbike Championship, where the sprint race is already used to set the first three rows of the grid for the main race. He envisions a scenario where the entire starting order for the grand prix is determined by the sprint race results, creating a more streamlined and efficient race weekend schedule.
**The Impact on Qualifying and Media Attention**
One of the key criticisms of the current format is the diminishing importance of qualifying, despite its crucial role in the outcome of races. Guidotti highlighted that the media’s focus has shifted more towards the sprint race, leaving qualifying in the shadows for a brief period. This raises questions about the overall value and significance of the qualifying sessions under the new structure.
**Balancing the Weekend and Enhancing Competition**
Guidotti also addressed the issue of the sprint race’s relevance for riders outside the top nine positions. By making the sprint race results directly impact the starting grid of the main race, he believes it would incentivize all riders to push harder and compete more fiercely throughout the weekend. This, in turn, could lead to a more balanced and competitive atmosphere on the track.
**In Conclusion**
The debate surrounding the implementation of sprint races in MotoGP is far from over, with passionate arguments on both sides of the spectrum. As the sport continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the discussion sparked by Guidotti’s proposal may pave the way for future changes in how races are structured and conducted in MotoGP.
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