Fabio Quartararo doesn't think a format like F1 sprint races can be as cool in MotoGP, as he is very fond of 'traditional' qualifying
Formula One debuted a different weekend format last year with the sprint races. These are short, 100km races that serve to set the starting order on Saturday. The aim of the category was to give a little more excitement to the spectators, with more competition on the track. But would it work in MotoGP? Fabio Quartararo has doubts.
"I think qualifying is good because it's just a few laps and it's a pretty mythical part of a weekend," he said, responding to a question the premier class threw at fans. "Qualifying is for you to put yourself in the best position for the race, so I don't think a short race would be a good idea. It can be fun, but qualifying is something a little different," he added.
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The point raised by the defending champion is very pertinent within the universe of F1 itself. This is because the definition of pole-position, on a GP weekend, takes place in the sprint race on Saturday, not in qualifying on Friday. Moreover, the budget ceiling and the number of races throughout the year are some hotly debated and conflicting points in the paddock.
Johann Zarco agrees with the #20: "Sprint racing gives a good show, but with the intensity of MotoGP, right now I don't see myself being able to race on Saturday and be ready for Sunday," he explained.
The Spanish rider understands that there is a big difference between racing and spectacle. And, above all, it is necessary to understand what will really hold the audience during the broadcasts.
"Compared to Formula 1, we have a 40-minute race instead of an hour and a half. That keeps people a little more awake in front of the TV, and that's very important. But what if we had an even shorter 30-minute race? It also depends, because after 40 minutes at Sachsenring, for example, there was already quite a big difference between the drivers," he said.