QUARTARARO SAYS MOTO GP SHOULD CUT SPRINTS IF IT ADOPTS F1-STYLE SPRINT QUALIFYING

Fabio Quartararo says MotoGP should “copy” Formula 1’s approach if sprint qualifying is introduced, arguing that the number of sprint weekends should be reduced to match F1’s model rather than keeping sprints at every round.

MotoGP introduced sprint racing in 2023, but Quartararo noted that the series’ implementation has differed from F1. While F1 has run sprints on a limited number of race weekends, MotoGP staged sprints at every round. Looking ahead, F1 is set to increase its sprint count to 10 in 2027, whereas MotoGP’s current format has been far more frequent.

The discussion has resurfaced because reports suggest MotoGP may be considering a separate qualifying session for sprint races—an idea that would bring the format closer to F1’s structure, where qualifying is split to accommodate the sprint event.

Asked for his view on the possibility of sprint qualifying, Quartararo admitted he did not know the details yet. “I have no idea, to be honest,” he said. However, he was clear about what he believes should accompany any change. “But my opinion on the sprint is that, if they want to do it like F1, we should have the same amount of sprint races as F1.”

He added that he would accept a higher sprint total only if it remained within a framework similar to F1’s. “I’m happy with 10, even with 12 I’d be happy! But it’s really intense.” Quartararo’s concern is not only about the sporting impact, but also the workload and risk profile that comes with adding more high-stakes sessions.

“The amount of stress that we have and everything during the starts, for the safety also, which we know in the start it’s the most dangerous,” he said. “If they want to do a sprint qualifying, then I think we need to copy exactly as F1.”

Beyond the format itself, Quartararo also addressed the process behind the introduction of sprints. He pointed out that riders learned about the sprint races being added for 2023 through media reports, rather than through consultation. “They added the sprints without really asking,” he said.

When asked whether MotoGP should consult riders more, he suggested that once the change is implemented, it is unlikely to be reversed. “Now that we do the sprints, for sure they will not [change].”

Quartararo’s position was ultimately pragmatic: riders can only respond to whatever the championship decides. “We are here to ride. If they tell us to do 22 sprints, we do 22 sprints. If they tell us to do 12, we do 12. But we are not the ones who decide what we have to do. [If we have to do two qualifying sessions] we will do two qualifying sessions, even three.”

With MotoGP’s weekends already described as busy, Quartararo also acknowledged that it remains to be seen how any extra qualifying session would fit into the schedule. Still, his message was consistent: if MotoGP is going to adopt F1-style sprint qualifying, he believes the series should also align the sprint frequency and overall structure with F1’s system.