MARC MARQUEZ DATA POINTS TO BENEFIT FROM 2027 SPRINT-FOCUSED WEEKEND FORMAT

MotoGP’s leadership is considering a major tweak to the 2027 weekend schedule: an extra qualifying session that would mirror Formula 1’s approach. Under the proposal, Sprint qualifying would be held on Friday afternoon, followed by Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday morning. The Sprint itself would then take place after that Saturday qualifying session—unlike the current F1 sequence.

While the plan still requires approval, the reporting suggests there is already broad agreement among the key decision-makers. The change is expected to reshape how riders manage their weekends, particularly those who prefer to take risks early rather than build toward peak performance later.

Marc Marquez is one of the riders whose data appears to align with the new format. The article notes that Marquez may have “only” three pole positions this year, which is fewer than Marco Bezzecchi’s four and more than Jorge Martin’s tally. However, his Friday performance stands out: Marquez has averaged the highest position in Friday’s timed practice, at 4.42, the best mark among all riders.

With Sprint qualifying on Friday becoming more consequential in 2027, that Friday advantage could matter more than it does under the current structure. The piece also points out how some rivals might try to play a numbers game—riding at “99%” with the belief that a top-10 result could be enough for direct Q2 passage—but warns that such an approach could be risky given how tight the field is.

The article frames Marquez’s edge as less about needing to gamble and more about reaching his performance limit quickly. TNT’s Neil Hodgson is quoted explaining that Marquez “only needs ‘a couple of laps’” to make that assessment, while other riders require “a session or two.”

Marquez’s own comments add an interesting contrast. He said, via the Spanish edition of Motorsport.com, that he “hates” Saturdays, even though he accepts they are “part of the show,” and that he wants to focus on what he considers the most “important” part of the weekend: Sunday’s Grand Prix. Even if the new structure is designed partly for entertainment, the reporting concludes that if any rider could benefit from it, it’s Marquez.