A Visionary's Take: Revolutionizing MotoGP's Weekend Structure
Is MotoGP's current qualifying format fair, or does it need a radical overhaul? Davide Brivio, a MotoGP veteran with an impressive career spanning three manufacturers and a stint in F1, has some bold ideas.
In a recent interview, Brivio shared his thoughts on MotoGP's future. He believes the competition is strong, but there's room for improvement, especially in the weekend format.
"Split the qualifying," he proposes. "One for the Sprint, one for the Grand Prix." But why the need for such a change?
Brivio argues that a single qualifying session for both races is too much of a gamble. One bad qualifying can ruin the entire weekend, and that's not fair to the riders or the fans. It's a high-pressure situation that starts on Friday afternoon, with only a few riders getting a direct pass to the main event.
"If you get screwed by a crash or a yellow flag, it's a shame to throw away the entire weekend," says Luca Marini, a Honda rider who has experienced the frustration first-hand. He suggests letting four riders progress from Q1, instead of the current two.
But here's where it gets controversial: MotoGP's current format means that one mistake can be doubly punished, or one success doubly rewarded. It's a high-stakes game, and some riders feel the pressure is too much.
And this is the part most people miss: Brivio also emphasizes the importance of aligning technical regulations with entertainment. As MotoGP prepares for the massive shift to 850cc engines in 2027, he believes the show must always come first.
"I'm not an engineer, but we must think about improving the show," he says. It's a bold statement, and one that invites discussion.
Brivio's vision for MotoGP's future is an intriguing one. With his experience and success, his ideas carry weight. But what do you think? Should MotoGP split its qualifying sessions? And how can we ensure the sport remains entertaining as it evolves? Weigh in and let's spark a conversation!
