MotoGP riders face an increased risk of injury and severe mental fatigue next season following the championship’s decision to introduce a third qualifying session and eliminate the Sunday morning warm-up, according to competitor feedback gathered during the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend at Mandalika International Street Circuit.
Format Changes and Elimination of Sunday Warm-Up
The updated Grand Prix weekend schedule alters the structure of qualifying for the upcoming season. Rather than the traditional two sessions, riders will participate in three separate qualifying periods. A 15-minute session featuring all 22 riders will determine the top 12 lap times, followed by two individual sessions setting the starting grids for both the Saturday sprint race and the Sunday main Grand Prix. Previously, a single Saturday qualifying session determined the grid for both races. To accommodate the schedule adjustments, organizers approved the complete removal of the Sunday morning warm-up session, a traditional period where teams and riders test machine configurations under race conditions.
Riders oppose new rules over physical and mental toll
Competitors on the MotoGP grid voiced strong opposition to the alterations, stating they were excluded from the decision-making process by manufacturers and teams. KTM factory rider Pedro Acosta criticized the rapid implementation of the rules, noting that the physical and mental toll of three high-intensity qualifying sessions would shorten professional careers. Acosta pointed to widespread injuries across the current season’s grid as evidence that increased track stress exacerbates physical danger. Lenovo Ducati rider Marc Márquez echoed those concerns, emphasizing that the mental strain of continuous high-adrenaline sessions creates an unsustainable environment for competitors. Aprilia rider Jorge Martín added that riders remain the central figures of the sport and should be consulted before major regulatory shifts take effect.
Dissenting Opinions Within the Grid
While the majority of the paddock expressed frustration over the format, a distinct group voiced support for the changes. Italian rider Francesco Bagnaia acknowledged that a collective refusal by riders during recent safety meetings at Motegi could have altered the outcome, noting that his approval of the formula aligns with fellow riders Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific changes are coming to the MotoGP weekend schedule?
The upcoming season will feature three qualifying sessions instead of two, separating the grid determination for sprint and main races, while removing the Sunday morning warm-up entirely.
Why are the riders unable to influence these schedule decisions?
Riders lack a formalized, powerful association comparable to Formula 1 and struggle to attend Friday safety meetings due to heavily saturated daily schedules involving media, engineering debriefs, and physical recovery.
Who are the prominent riders supporting the new qualifying formula?
Francesco Bagnaia, Luca Marini, and Marco Bezzecchi have expressed agreement with the newly approved format.
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