MotoGP is overhauling its qualifying system for 2027, introducing separate sessions and reducing practice time, stirring mixed reactions among fans and insiders.
MotoGP is set to implement a significant overhaul to its qualifying format starting in 2027, introducing two qualifying sessions. A new 15-minute session on Fridays will determine the grid for the sprints, marking the end of traditional warm-up sessions and decreasing overall non-competitive practice time. This change involves all riders being on track simultaneously during the qualifying sessions, which has sparked various opinions within the MotoGP community.
A Mixed Bag of Opinions
Val Khorounzhiy:
Khorounzhiy welcomes the ability to write headlines like "x takes sprint pole" rather than highlighting riders who miss the Q2 cut. However, he views the switch as a workaround to include an extra qualifying session for an additional ten riders, ramping up competition. Previously, only two riders needed to compete for a time during Friday practice and qualifying, which was more focused. Now, all twelve aspiring for Q2 need to perform again in Q1, adding pressure. While he appreciates separating practice from the qualifying process, he questions the necessity of a qualifying session solely to set the sprint grid, arguing that it should remain unchanged for the grand prix.
Simon Patterson:
Patterson expresses strong disapproval, labeling the changes as detrimental and risky for the riders. He argues that previous formats were designed to prevent overcrowding on the track, and the new sessions will lead to similar dangers with all riders competing simultaneously for lap times. Removing warm-up sessions, replaced by additional warm-up laps before the race, raises concerns about rider safety. Patterson notes a lack of consensus among teams regarding these changes and accuses the MotoGP of prioritizing promotional benefits over genuine sporting integrity, further sidelining Moto2 and Moto3 in the process.
Unnecessary Changes Amidst Other Transformations
Megan White:
While recognizing MotoGP's intention to enhance excitement and variability throughout race weekends, White is skeptical of these particular changes. The prospect of all riders being on track during both sprint qualifying and Q1 raises concerns about safety and the increased potential for crashes. The removal of the warm-up session for MotoGP is seen as a backward step, particularly since Moto2 and Moto3 have already experienced this change. White believes that either sticking to one qualifying session followed by a sprint or holding both qualifying sessions first presents substantial challenges in maintaining race momentum.
Even though more substantial practice might engage fans, White contemplates whether the forthcoming regulations and changes in tyre suppliers will generate the audience interest MotoGP seeks without imposing additional risks.
Identifying Positives in the Revamp
Glenn Freeman:
Freeman shares a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding the changes. He notes that while the format for separate qualifying grids may seem unnecessary—since bike races generally have varied starts—the alterations do address practical issues. One highlight for Freeman is the separation of practice from qualifying, as not all practice should determine qualifying placement. Including all riders in Q1 to compete under similar conditions also makes sense, increasing viewer interest in that session. Although the elimination of morning warm-ups may be a nostalgic loss, he feels the change is ultimately inconsequential.
Do Circuits Need This Change?
Matt Beer:
Beer believes that if MotoGP's goal was to prevent predictability in race outcomes due to identical grids across races, then these adjustments may be justified. However, he contends that the variation in start performance, set-up, and racing dynamics typically imbues sprints with enough distinction from grand prix events without requiring additional qualifying sessions. Beer argues that these changes cater more to the commercial interests of circuits that thrive on maximizing track activities throughout the weekend rather than purely enhancing the racing spectacle.
The clear advantages to promoters who desire meaningful engagement on all three days of a race weekend can lead one to understand the rationale for these changes. While some in the paddock voice concerns about the implications for rider safety and the integrity of the sport, the quest for heightened excitement remains a prevalent theme in the discussions surrounding these adjustments. As MotoGP gears up for this significant evolution of its qualifying format, the responses from riders and teams will be equally crucial to monitor going forward.
