From Autosport · Germán Garcia Casanova · · 1m 30s
MotoGP Riders Split on 2027 Format
MotoGP riders divided over new 2027 weekend format: some welcome changes, others warn of increased risk.
In brief
MotoGP riders divided over new 2027 weekend format: some welcome changes, others warn of increased risk. MotoGP riders split on 2027 weekend format changes, with Bagnaia and Marini supporting the new schedule while Acosta and Marquez warn of higher stress and risk. Originally reported by Autosport.
MotoGP 2027 Format Change
MotoGP announced new weekend format for 2027 with dedicated qualifying session for sprint races.
Bagnaia Supports Changes
Bagnaia welcomed the changes, saying they improve the championship but criticized the removal of Sunday warm-up.
“If instead of four, there had been 20 riders, we could have influenced the decision. But with so few, it is very difficult.”
Bagnaia's Safety Commission View
Bagnaia attended Safety Commission meetings where riders discussed the new format with MotoGP officials.
“The four of us who were there discussed the matter, everything was clear and we understood the reasons; we simply asked to add the warm-up.”
Acosta Warns of Risk
Acosta questioned whether riders had enough input into the decision and warned of increased stress and risk.
“If you take the list of riders on the grid, try to find four who haven't been injured all year. There are few, very few who haven't had some kind of injury.”
Acosta's Injury Concerns
Acosta noted that riders have already taken many risks and warned that adding more sessions could shorten careers.
“We already have enough sessions in which we take a lot of risks, so as to add another one, and keep all the sprints.”
Marquez Criticizes Process
Marquez argued that teams, not riders, made the decision and warned of increased risk during the weekend.
“The decision has been made between the championship and the teams; the riders have had nothing to do with it.”
Quartararo's Bike Concerns
Quartararo expressed concerns about new bikes and tires adding extra minutes to the weekend.
“With new bikes and new tyres, adding extra minutes is not the best thing.”
Marini Supports Changes
Marini attended Safety Commission meetings and supported the changes to improve the championship show.
“It is a proposal from the teams to further improve the show and try to gain popularity.”
2027 Format Details
2027 format includes 11 sprint races and two qualifying sessions per weekend.
“We could have half the sprints [11], because we all know at which circuits there is a show.”
Rider Stress Concerns
Riders warn that increased sessions and races could lead to shorter careers and higher stress.
“The sporting careers of the riders are getting shorter and shorter.”
The key point
MotoGP riders split on 2027 weekend format changes, with Bagnaia and Marini supporting the new schedule while Acosta and Marquez warn of higher stress and risk.
