MotoGP legend Marc Marquez says the introduction of sprint races this season will make the sport more spectacular and increase interest in the championship. Marquez – who won his sixth premier class crown in 2019 – has welcomed the change, saying it makes the series more attractive to fans. “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 had also praised efforts by Dorna when they decision to reduce engine capacity in MotoGP from 1000cc to 800cc for the 2021 season. The Spaniard believed at the time that the move would make the racing more spectacular and help new riders come through the ranks which indeed it has.
“It’s a good idea,” he said at the time. “I think it’ll be better for motorsport, it’ll be better for the show. 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 six time champion also felt it would make racing cheaper with smaller engines, which could allow less wealthy teams to get back on track. Marquez now hopes to take advantage of the new rules which will see sprint races introduced to MotoGP to make the sport more spectacular. The six time world champion said he is looking forward to the new format and believes it could play into his hands.
Marquez said it’s a good idea because it’s something different and can make MotoGP more spectacular. MotoGP weekends will now have two practice sessions on Friday and the combined timesheets from these sessions will determine the direct entrants to Q2, guaranteeing Friday increased significance and exposure.
On Saturday morning, there will be one 30-minute Free Practice session (similar to the current FP4) followed by Q1 and Q2 for qualifying. The Sprint Race will then take place at 15h00, creating an incredible line-up of track action on Saturday.
Sunday will remain a spectacle for fans and broadcasters, with the Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP Grand Prix races. The target will also be to have MotoGP as the last race on Sunday at each event, allowing for an improved podium ceremony, on-track celebrations and the possibility of fan track invasions at each venue.
Marquez made history in 2019 by becoming only the second rider after Mick Doohan to win back-to-back premier class titles for three consecutive years, as well as being just one of three riders (along with Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini) ever to claim five or more world championships.
The MotoGP paddock has responded to the announcement that sprint races will be introduced as a way of making the sport more exciting. Some riders agree that it will make for a more spectacular show. Do you want to bet on motorsport? Pick up freebet Liga Stavok and place a bet today. The bookmaker offers the best odds and bonuses for all major events, including Formula 1, the Premier League and the NFL.
