- Sprint race would be a separate entity to the main Grand Prix
- Half points would be awarded to the applicable drivers
Dorna Sports-owned MotoGP is looking to introduce sprint races to its Grand Prix weekends from next season, according to Motorsport.com.
Inspired by a similar approach from Formula One, MotoGP executives are said to discussing the concept with teams at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Formula One introduced sprint races at three events – Silverstone, Monza, and Brazil – last season, replacing qualifying on Saturday and deciding the starting grid for Sunday’s main race.
MotoGP, however, is reportedly looking to introduce sprint races at every single race weekend from next season, positioning the new format as a separate entity to the main Grand Prix.
This would see it running as a half-distance race, with half points awarded to the applicable drivers. The grid for the main Grand Prix is expected to continue being decided by a qualifying session.
At the moment, this idea is said to be only for MotoGP. The Moto2 and Moto3 weekends, which were given a vote of confidence by Dorna Sports chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta last week, are unlikely to be changed.
Details are not yet confirmed, but the majority of constructors competing in the series are reportedly in favour of the move.
If approved, it would mark the biggest alteration to a MotoGP weekend set-up since 2013, when split qualifying sessions were introduced.
In other news, Spanish motorcycle brand GasGas has announced it is entering MotoGP for the first time next season.
The Tech3 KTM Factory Racing team will become the GasGas Factory Racing team from 2023.
“GasGas is a winning brand. It has reached an incredible level of performance immediately in disciplines like MXGP, Supercross, Enduro, and Rally where we have taken Grands Prix, main events, world titles, and overall winner’s trophies,” said Pit Beirer, director of GasGas Motorsports.
“It’s a relatively new brand for us and we have new goals. We hope the fans that follow ‘the red’ will enjoy the story.”