{"id":2187015,"date":"2026-10-08T14:19:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T11:19:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187015"},"modified":"2026-10-08T14:19:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T11:19:33","slug":"motogps-f1-fuelled-identity-crisis-is-getting-worse-amid-sprint-qualifying-outcry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2187015","title":{"rendered":"MotoGP\u2019s F1-fuelled identity crisis is getting worse amid sprint qualifying outcry"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>MotoGP\u2019s F1-fuelled identity crisis is getting worse amid sprint qualifying outcry<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Opinion: MotoGP\u2019s new weekend format has gone down poorly among fans and a lot of the riders, following its announcement this week. While there are many issues that arise in its wake, one of the biggest is the glaring identity crisis the championship is suffering as it tries too hard to ape its four-wheel sister series F1\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Duncan <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-10-08T15:19:33+01:00\">08 Oct 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>MotoGP&#8217;s sprint qualifying announcement has not gone down well<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<aside>\n<div class=\"preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div>  Prefer Crash.Net on Google <\/div>\n<div> See our stories more often<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"button\">  Add <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>MotoGP announced ahead of this weekend\u2019s Indonesian Grand Prix that a new race weekend format would be introduced in 2027, centred around the addition of a sprint qualifying session.<\/p>\n<p>The revised weekend format sees two practice sessions on Friday of 45 minutes and 30 minutes, before a 15-minute qualifying at the end of the day to decide the grid for the sprint. A 20-minute practice will follow on Saturday before the usual grand prix qualifying, with the sprint concluding the day\u2019s action.<\/p>\n<p>The grand prix will remain on Sunday, though warm-up has been canned in favour of a 10-minute sighting lap period.<\/p>\n<p>The idea is that it will create more excitement for fans. But it\u2019s pretty telling that fan reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative. It then raises the question: what exactly are these kinds of decisions being based on?<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marc Marquez hit out at the format change<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But the sprint qualifying idea is very much in keeping with the identity crisis MotoGP has been battling in the post-COVID era, and one made even worse since Liberty Media took over ownership in its blockbuster \u20ac4.2-billion acquisition of the series in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>In a bid to engage audiences more, it turned to Formula 1\u2019s sprint race idea and gave it the Spinal Tap treatment: why have six when you can have 22? It was a proposal the riders tried to fight against, with Alex Marquez revealing on Thursday at Mandalika that they argued for having them at half of the grands prix.<\/p>\n<p>But once a decision is made by the powers that be, the riders\u2019 thoughts seem to be taken as a courtesy rather than as constructive. And so, in the first year of the sprints in 2023, not a single race weekend featured the entire full-time grid. And that\u2019s a trend that has continued since. More starts plus more risk equals more injuries.<\/p>\n<p>MotoGP has seen better crowd figures in recent years, however, with more attendance records broken. The aim, then, has met its intended outcome.<\/p>\n<p>With F1 adopting sprint qualifying in recent years, it was inevitable that MotoGP would follow suit. The growth Liberty has achieved for F1 has been impressive, and MotoGP will almost certainly benefit from that in the long run. But there comes a point when copying homework goes a bit too far.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\n<div class=\"placeholder embed acast\">\n<div>Loading this video will expose you to potential cookies and tracking by the provider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>F1 brought in sprints; so did MotoGP. F1 came up with its own theme tune and intro video for races; MotoGP followed suit with a rip-off imitation. A greater emphasis on influencer marketing was pivotal in F1\u2019s growth, so MotoGP is doing the same. F1\u2019s calendar has pivoted more towards street tracks and circuits near major population centres; MotoGP is killing an iconic track in Phillip Island for a street race in Adelaide.<\/p>\n<p>Inits pursuit of growth, MotoGP seems to be blending further into the shadow of its four-wheeled big brother.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Format change further highlights rider union issue<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The new race format for 2027 came, just as the sprints did, with little input from the riders. Marc Marquez was blunt in his reaction to it when he was asked about it in Thursday\u2019s press conference in Indonesia, presumably in the hope that he would get a positive vox pop from the championship\u2019s biggest voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYeah, the thing is, it\u2019s interesting to understand what the main goal is of that change, because for the rider it\u2019s only more intense, more demanding,\u201d he said. \u201cWith the [current] schedule, it\u2019s enough. But we don\u2019t decide. It is what it is, and we must shut up\u2026I mean, teams and organisation decide. So, you take it or you leave. It is what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Acosta believes riders will have shorter careers<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez drew attention last weekend in Japan when he shunned a pre-race karting event to rest up ahead of the grand prix. Given the news that followed a few days later, one has to wonder if this protest has a deeper meaning now.<\/p>\n<p>Pedro Acosta commented that riders are likely to face shorter careers now because of the added strain &#8211; and the greater risk &#8211; they face from having two qualifying sessions across 22 rounds a year.<\/p>\n<p>Several safety issues were raised by riders on Thursday about the new format. The first was the chaos likely to arise from 22 riders pushing for a qualifying lap over a 15-minute period. IRTA (International Race Teams\u2019 Association) president and LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello revealed that only one tyre will be permitted for the sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>That will likely lead to more issues if everyone has a very short window to get the ultimate lap time out of their one tyre; around tracks like Sachsenring and Jerez, the chaos doesn\u2019t bear thinking about.<\/p>\n<p>Then there is the removal of warm-up. Some riders are in favour. But there is a massive safety element to this decision. If you\u2019ve had a crash or a technical issue in the sprint, the next time you ride the bike is the 10-minute warm-up session on Sunday morning. If any problems arise then, you have a few hours to work on them.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Bagnaia was in favour of the format change<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Now, riders will be experiencing their repaired machines in the extra 10 minutes of sighting laps they will have. These won\u2019t be at full pelt, either. Both Luca Marini and Toprak Razgatlioglu highlighted rules around fuelling, which is banned on the grid. Marini suggested riders would use their second bikes mostly for these sighting laps to avoid burning fuel.<\/p>\n<p>Not every rider was against the idea. Pecco Bagnaia gave it a thumbs up, while Marco Bezzecchi was all smiles when asked about it in the press conference. Fabio Quartararo said it was \u201cnot a problem\u201d to have an extra qualifying session, but felt it would be better to have longer practices to be able to better understand your bike for the weekend ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Like with any big change, there will be an adjustment period before it eventually blends into the natural run of things. But, once again, it raises the wider issue of the value placed on the riders and how little impact they actually have on proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>This is of their own making. While the teams and the manufacturers have their seat at the table, the riders remain without a genuine union. The closest thing they have to it is the Safety Commission, which is no longer fit for purpose.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-addd7b6b0704c1bf5ef79620b2c4dba39ff2de4527b156e42d33a7b08fb09444\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Indonesia MotoGP Practice delayed due to stewards\u2019 room issue<\/li>\n<li>Bezzecchi fastest as Marc Marquez splits the Aprilias in FP1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Bagnaia said on Thursday that only four riders turned up to the safety commission meeting in Japan where the new format was discussed. All present agreed with it. Fabio Di Giannantonio said he has stopped going because \u201cit was really difficult to get promises on things that we were trying to ask\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Vinales says riders have never been able to get a union together<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The riders aren\u2019t ignored in the safety commission, but the buck certainly doesn\u2019t seem to stop with them. That shouldn\u2019t be the way, given they are the ones risking their lives for the business. F1\u2019s Grand Prix Drivers\u2019 Association has remained intact and continues to be an effective body.<\/p>\n<p>Di Giannantonio says the riders were \u201cquite close\u201d to forming an association at one point, but there wasn\u2019t a consensus on it. Maverick Vinales gave a slightly more worrying version of events: \u201cI don\u2019t know, I just always felt that if you tried it, you got in trouble. So, it was better to just say nothing and just ride.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As the GPDA proves, the championship wouldn\u2019t be able to disband a sanctioned riders\u2019 union if enough of them forced the issue. But therein lies the problem. That was illustrated perfectly in Thursday\u2019s press conference in an exchange between Aprilia team-mates Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt is what it is. There\u2019s nothing we can do until we are, let\u2019s say, not united\u2026 it\u2019s not that I like or not the schedule,\u201d Martin said. \u201cI\u2019m curious, and it will be interesting. But I feel they don\u2019t even ask us. It would be nice from the organisation to have some interest for the riders.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bezzecchi then said: \u201cI like the schedule, so I can\u2019t complain,\u201d to which Martin replied: \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For as long as that divide remains, the riders are forever at the mercy of whatever MotoGP and Liberty decide for them\u2026<\/p>\n<div data-entity-type=\"poll\" data-entity-uuid=\"80ff8804-830c-49d8-a5ef-6471caf248f9\" data-embed-button=\"poll\" data-entity-embed-display=\"view_mode:poll.teaser\" data-langcode=\"en\" data-entity-embed-display-settings=\"[]\" class=\"embedded-entity\">\n<div class=\"poll\">\n<div class=\"vote-form\">\n<h3 class=\"poll-question\">Is the introduction of a Sprint qualifying session a good move for MotoGP?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-field-keywords block-layout-builder\">\n<h2>Tags:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Marc Marquez<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3> Previous <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> MotoGP winner reveals how series\u2019 safety forum has failed to deliver for riders <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> 2025 Indonesia MotoGP winner \u201cnot in the same moment\u201d to try for 2026 repeat <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c484cbaa2369f4070a59121ad3909436ec114c6a4bfbbdd3396d742185a2d31b\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/img_8107.JPG?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/img_8107.JPG?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/img_8107.JPG?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Duncan<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Head of Editorial<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<div>Lewis joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having been a journalist for five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network. In February of 2026, he became Head of Editorial.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-aa3cdd38eb87a5440a8e3f7e1302184dfe111038cc5fc83d453e153b6c3332dc\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Indonesian MotoGP, Mandalika &#8211; Friday Practice Results<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350771_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 Indonesian MotoGP Practice at Mandalika today: Start times and how to watch<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350749_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin, 2026 Japanese MotoGP. \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jorge Martin hailed as &#8220;astonishing&#8221; in Marc Marquez battle he&#8217;s &#8220;never lost&#8221;<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1345944_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Will Ducati\u2019s confusing Michelin tyre problem persist in Indonesia?<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1349597_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 Japanese MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aprilia: Beating Marc Marquez \u201cmost difficult\u201d task we could face<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1330783_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marc Marquez&#8217;s blunt response to new MotoGP format: &#8220;We must shut up\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, Ducati Corse, 2026 Indonesian MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>Latest News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-ee29ff72e451b8e3200eeb749882cc3871895f640433390703079f5312836e9b\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Indonesia MotoGP Practice delayed due to stewards\u2019 room issue<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791529825\"> 4m ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351417_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351417_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351417_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ezpeleta admits riders \u201cnot fully understanding\u201d 2027 MotoGP weekend changes<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791525810\"> 1h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1337249_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1337249_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1337249_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bezzecchi fastest as Marc Marquez splits the Aprilias in FP1<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791518850\"> 3h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351418_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351418_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351418_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 Indonesian MotoGP Practice at Mandalika today: Start times and how to watch<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791510844\"> 5h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350749_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350749_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350749_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2025 Indonesia MotoGP winner \u201cnot in the same moment\u201d to try for 2026 repeat<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791472361\"> 16h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351239_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351239_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351239_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"main-lists block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"component-card-default block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<h2>More News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"component-blocks-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-c4206bae61b6c3a877e8edae6d24ccbf30900029fdb74d7bb4c8fd04b41136a4\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP winner reveals how series\u2019 safety forum has failed to deliver for riders<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791466511\"> 17h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351254_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351254_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351254_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Maverick Vinales linked to Ducati MotoGP lifeline for 2027<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791457499\"> 20h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jorge Martin hailed as &#8220;astonishing&#8221; in Marc Marquez battle he&#8217;s &#8220;never lost&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791455434\"> 20h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1345944_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1345944_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1345944_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Trackhouse riders outline stance on MotoGP team orders as pressure mounts<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791451654\"> 21h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1349606_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1349606_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1349606_hires_1600x900.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Will Ducati\u2019s confusing Michelin tyre problem persist in Indonesia?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1791451333\"> 21h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1349597_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1349597_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1349597_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Opinion: MotoGP\u2019s new weekend format has gone down poorly among fans and a lot of the riders, following its announcement this week. While there are many issues that arise in its wake, one of the biggest is the glaring identity crisis the championship is suffering as it tries too hard to ape its four-wheel sister series F1\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>MotoGP announced ahead of this weekend\u2019s Indonesian Grand Prix that a new race weekend format would be introduced in 2027, centred around the addition of a sprint qualifying session.<\/p>\n<p>The revised weekend format sees two practice sessions on Friday of 45 minutes and 30 minutes, before a 15-minute qualifying at the end of the day to decide the grid for the sprint. A 20-minute practice will follow on Saturday before the usual grand prix qualifying, with the sprint concluding the day\u2019s action.<\/p>\n<p>The grand prix will remain on Sunday, though warm-up has been canned in favour of a 10-minute sighting lap period.<\/p>\n<p>The idea is that it will create more excitement for fans. But it\u2019s pretty telling that fan reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative. It then raises the question: what exactly are these kinds of decisions being based on?<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marc Marquez hit out at the format change<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But the sprint qualifying idea is very much in keeping with the identity crisis MotoGP has been battling in the post-COVID era, and one made even worse since Liberty Media took over ownership in its blockbuster \u20ac4.2-billion acquisition of the series in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>In a bid to engage audiences more, it turned to Formula 1\u2019s sprint race idea and gave it the Spinal Tap treatment: why have six when you can have 22? It was a proposal the riders tried to fight against, with Alex Marquez revealing on Thursday at Mandalika that they argued for having them at half of the grands prix.<\/p>\n<p>But once a decision is made by the powers that be, the riders\u2019 thoughts seem to be taken as a courtesy rather than as constructive. And so, in the first year of the sprints in 2023, not a single race weekend featured the entire full-time grid. And that\u2019s a trend that has continued since. More starts plus more risk equals more injuries.<\/p>\n<p>MotoGP has seen better crowd figures in recent years, however, with more attendance records broken. The aim, then, has met its intended outcome.<\/p>\n<p>With F1 adopting sprint qualifying in recent years, it was inevitable that MotoGP would follow suit. The growth Liberty has achieved for F1 has been impressive, and MotoGP will almost certainly benefit from that in the long run. But there comes a point when copying homework goes a bit too far.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\n<div class=\"placeholder embed acast\">\n<div>Loading this video will expose you to potential cookies and tracking by the provider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>F1 brought in sprints; so did MotoGP. F1 came up with its own theme tune and intro video for races; MotoGP followed suit with a rip-off imitation. A greater emphasis on influencer marketing was pivotal in F1\u2019s growth, so MotoGP is doing the same. F1\u2019s calendar has pivoted more towards street tracks and circuits near major population centres; MotoGP is killing an iconic track in Phillip Island for a street race in Adelaide.<\/p>\n<p>Inits pursuit of growth, MotoGP seems to be blending further into the shadow of its four-wheeled big brother.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Format change further highlights rider union issue<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The new race format for 2027 came, just as the sprints did, with little input from the riders. Marc Marquez was blunt in his reaction to it when he was asked about it in Thursday\u2019s press conference in Indonesia, presumably in the hope that he would get a positive vox pop from the championship\u2019s biggest voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYeah, the thing is, it\u2019s interesting to understand what the main goal is of that change, because for the rider it\u2019s only more intense, more demanding,\u201d he said. \u201cWith the [current] schedule, it\u2019s enough. But we don\u2019t decide. It is what it is, and we must shut up\u2026I mean, teams and organisation decide. So, you take it or you leave. It is what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Acosta believes riders will have shorter careers<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez drew attention last weekend in Japan when he shunned a pre-race karting event to rest up ahead of the grand prix. Given the news that followed a few days later, one has to wonder if this protest has a deeper meaning now.<\/p>\n<p>Pedro Acosta commented that riders are likely to face shorter careers now because of the added strain &#8211; and the greater risk &#8211; they face from having two qualifying sessions across 22 rounds a year.<\/p>\n<p>Several safety issues were raised by riders on Thursday about the new format. The first was the chaos likely to arise from 22 riders pushing for a qualifying lap over a 15-minute period. IRTA (International Race Teams\u2019 Association) president and LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello revealed that only one tyre will be permitted for the sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>That will likely lead to more issues if everyone has a very short window to get the ultimate lap time out of their one tyre; around tracks like Sachsenring and Jerez, the chaos doesn\u2019t bear thinking about.<\/p>\n<p>Then there is the removal of warm-up. Some riders are in favour. But there is a massive safety element to this decision. If you\u2019ve had a crash or a technical issue in the sprint, the next time you ride the bike is the 10-minute warm-up session on Sunday morning. If any problems arise then, you have a few hours to work on them.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Bagnaia was in favour of the format change<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Now, riders will be experiencing their repaired machines in the extra 10 minutes of sighting laps they will have. These won\u2019t be at full pelt, either. Both Luca Marini and Toprak Razgatlioglu highlighted rules around fuelling, which is banned on the grid. Marini suggested riders would use their second bikes mostly for these sighting laps to avoid burning fuel.<\/p>\n<p>Not every rider was against the idea. Pecco Bagnaia gave it a thumbs up, while Marco Bezzecchi was all smiles when asked about it in the press conference. Fabio Quartararo said it was \u201cnot a problem\u201d to have an extra qualifying session, but felt it would be better to have longer practices to be able to better understand your bike for the weekend ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Like with any big change, there will be an adjustment period before it eventually blends into the natural run of things. But, once again, it raises the wider issue of the value placed on the riders and how little impact they actually have on proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>This is of their own making. While the teams and the manufacturers have their seat at the table, the riders remain without a genuine union. The closest thing they have to it is the Safety Commission, which is no longer fit for purpose.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-addd7b6b0704c1bf5ef79620b2c4dba39ff2de4527b156e42d33a7b08fb09444\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Indonesia MotoGP Practice delayed due to stewards\u2019 room issue<\/li>\n<li>Bezzecchi fastest as Marc Marquez splits the Aprilias in FP1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Bagnaia said on Thursday that only four riders turned up to the safety commission meeting in Japan where the new format was discussed. All present agreed with it. Fabio Di Giannantonio said he has stopped going because \u201cit was really difficult to get promises on things that we were trying to ask\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Vinales says riders have never been able to get a union together<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The riders aren\u2019t ignored in the safety commission, but the buck certainly doesn\u2019t seem to stop with them. That shouldn\u2019t be the way, given they are the ones risking their lives for the business. F1\u2019s Grand Prix Drivers\u2019 Association has remained intact and continues to be an effective body.<\/p>\n<p>Di Giannantonio says the riders were \u201cquite close\u201d to forming an association at one point, but there wasn\u2019t a consensus on it. Maverick Vinales gave a slightly more worrying version of events: \u201cI don\u2019t know, I just always felt that if you tried it, you got in trouble. So, it was better to just say nothing and just ride.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As the GPDA proves, the championship wouldn\u2019t be able to disband a sanctioned riders\u2019 union if enough of them forced the issue. But therein lies the problem. That was illustrated perfectly in Thursday\u2019s press conference in an exchange between Aprilia team-mates Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt is what it is. There\u2019s nothing we can do until we are, let\u2019s say, not united\u2026 it\u2019s not that I like or not the schedule,\u201d Martin said. \u201cI\u2019m curious, and it will be interesting. But I feel they don\u2019t even ask us. It would be nice from the organisation to have some interest for the riders.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bezzecchi then said: \u201cI like the schedule, so I can\u2019t complain,\u201d to which Martin replied: \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For as long as that divide remains, the riders are forever at the mercy of whatever MotoGP and Liberty decide for them\u2026<\/p>\n<div data-entity-type=\"poll\" data-entity-uuid=\"80ff8804-830c-49d8-a5ef-6471caf248f9\" data-embed-button=\"poll\" data-entity-embed-display=\"view_mode:poll.teaser\" data-langcode=\"en\" data-entity-embed-display-settings=\"[]\" class=\"embedded-entity\">\n<div class=\"poll\">\n<div class=\"vote-form\">\n<h3 class=\"poll-question\">Is the introduction of a Sprint qualifying session a good move for MotoGP?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>MotoGP announced ahead of this weekend\u2019s Indonesian Grand Prix that a new race weekend format would be introduced in 2027, centred around the addition of a sprint qualifying session.<\/p>\n<p>The revised weekend format sees two practice sessions on Friday of 45 minutes and 30 minutes, before a 15-minute qualifying at the end of the day to decide the grid for the sprint. A 20-minute practice will follow on Saturday before the usual grand prix qualifying, with the sprint concluding the day\u2019s action.<\/p>\n<p>The grand prix will remain on Sunday, though warm-up has been canned in favour of a 10-minute sighting lap period.<\/p>\n<p>The idea is that it will create more excitement for fans. But it\u2019s pretty telling that fan reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative. It then raises the question: what exactly are these kinds of decisions being based on?<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351309_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marc Marquez hit out at the format change<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>But the sprint qualifying idea is very much in keeping with the identity crisis MotoGP has been battling in the post-COVID era, and one made even worse since Liberty Media took over ownership in its blockbuster \u20ac4.2-billion acquisition of the series in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>In a bid to engage audiences more, it turned to Formula 1\u2019s sprint race idea and gave it the Spinal Tap treatment: why have six when you can have 22? It was a proposal the riders tried to fight against, with Alex Marquez revealing on Thursday at Mandalika that they argued for having them at half of the grands prix.<\/p>\n<p>But once a decision is made by the powers that be, the riders\u2019 thoughts seem to be taken as a courtesy rather than as constructive. And so, in the first year of the sprints in 2023, not a single race weekend featured the entire full-time grid. And that\u2019s a trend that has continued since. More starts plus more risk equals more injuries.<\/p>\n<p>MotoGP has seen better crowd figures in recent years, however, with more attendance records broken. The aim, then, has met its intended outcome.<\/p>\n<p>With F1 adopting sprint qualifying in recent years, it was inevitable that MotoGP would follow suit. The growth Liberty has achieved for F1 has been impressive, and MotoGP will almost certainly benefit from that in the long run. But there comes a point when copying homework goes a bit too far.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\n<div class=\"placeholder embed acast\">\n<div>Loading this video will expose you to potential cookies and tracking by the provider<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>F1 brought in sprints; so did MotoGP. F1 came up with its own theme tune and intro video for races; MotoGP followed suit with a rip-off imitation. A greater emphasis on influencer marketing was pivotal in F1\u2019s growth, so MotoGP is doing the same. F1\u2019s calendar has pivoted more towards street tracks and circuits near major population centres; MotoGP is killing an iconic track in Phillip Island for a street race in Adelaide.<\/p>\n<p>Inits pursuit of growth, MotoGP seems to be blending further into the shadow of its four-wheeled big brother.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Format change further highlights rider union issue<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The new race format for 2027 came, just as the sprints did, with little input from the riders. Marc Marquez was blunt in his reaction to it when he was asked about it in Thursday\u2019s press conference in Indonesia, presumably in the hope that he would get a positive vox pop from the championship\u2019s biggest voice.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYeah, the thing is, it\u2019s interesting to understand what the main goal is of that change, because for the rider it\u2019s only more intense, more demanding,\u201d he said. \u201cWith the [current] schedule, it\u2019s enough. But we don\u2019t decide. It is what it is, and we must shut up\u2026I mean, teams and organisation decide. So, you take it or you leave. It is what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350137_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Acosta believes riders will have shorter careers<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marquez drew attention last weekend in Japan when he shunned a pre-race karting event to rest up ahead of the grand prix. Given the news that followed a few days later, one has to wonder if this protest has a deeper meaning now.<\/p>\n<p>Pedro Acosta commented that riders are likely to face shorter careers now because of the added strain &#8211; and the greater risk &#8211; they face from having two qualifying sessions across 22 rounds a year.<\/p>\n<p>Several safety issues were raised by riders on Thursday about the new format. The first was the chaos likely to arise from 22 riders pushing for a qualifying lap over a 15-minute period. IRTA (International Race Teams\u2019 Association) president and LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello revealed that only one tyre will be permitted for the sprint qualifying.<\/p>\n<p>That will likely lead to more issues if everyone has a very short window to get the ultimate lap time out of their one tyre; around tracks like Sachsenring and Jerez, the chaos doesn\u2019t bear thinking about.<\/p>\n<p>Then there is the removal of warm-up. Some riders are in favour. But there is a massive safety element to this decision. If you\u2019ve had a crash or a technical issue in the sprint, the next time you ride the bike is the 10-minute warm-up session on Sunday morning. If any problems arise then, you have a few hours to work on them.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350481_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Bagnaia was in favour of the format change<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Now, riders will be experiencing their repaired machines in the extra 10 minutes of sighting laps they will have. These won\u2019t be at full pelt, either. Both Luca Marini and Toprak Razgatlioglu highlighted rules around fuelling, which is banned on the grid. Marini suggested riders would use their second bikes mostly for these sighting laps to avoid burning fuel.<\/p>\n<p>Not every rider was against the idea. Pecco Bagnaia gave it a thumbs up, while Marco Bezzecchi was all smiles when asked about it in the press conference. Fabio Quartararo said it was \u201cnot a problem\u201d to have an extra qualifying session, but felt it would be better to have longer practices to be able to better understand your bike for the weekend ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Like with any big change, there will be an adjustment period before it eventually blends into the natural run of things. But, once again, it raises the wider issue of the value placed on the riders and how little impact they actually have on proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>This is of their own making. While the teams and the manufacturers have their seat at the table, the riders remain without a genuine union. The closest thing they have to it is the Safety Commission, which is no longer fit for purpose.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-addd7b6b0704c1bf5ef79620b2c4dba39ff2de4527b156e42d33a7b08fb09444\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Indonesia MotoGP Practice delayed due to stewards\u2019 room issue<\/li>\n<li>Bezzecchi fastest as Marc Marquez splits the Aprilias in FP1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Bagnaia said on Thursday that only four riders turned up to the safety commission meeting in Japan where the new format was discussed. All present agreed with it. Fabio Di Giannantonio said he has stopped going because \u201cit was really difficult to get promises on things that we were trying to ask\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1351247_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Vinales says riders have never been able to get a union together<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The riders aren\u2019t ignored in the safety commission, but the buck certainly doesn\u2019t seem to stop with them. That shouldn\u2019t be the way, given they are the ones risking their lives for the business. F1\u2019s Grand Prix Drivers\u2019 Association has remained intact and continues to be an effective body.<\/p>\n<p>Di Giannantonio says the riders were \u201cquite close\u201d to forming an association at one point, but there wasn\u2019t a consensus on it. Maverick Vinales gave a slightly more worrying version of events: \u201cI don\u2019t know, I just always felt that if you tried it, you got in trouble. So, it was better to just say nothing and just ride.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As the GPDA proves, the championship wouldn\u2019t be able to disband a sanctioned riders\u2019 union if enough of them forced the issue. But therein lies the problem. That was illustrated perfectly in Thursday\u2019s press conference in an exchange between Aprilia team-mates Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt is what it is. There\u2019s nothing we can do until we are, let\u2019s say, not united\u2026 it\u2019s not that I like or not the schedule,\u201d Martin said. \u201cI\u2019m curious, and it will be interesting. But I feel they don\u2019t even ask us. It would be nice from the organisation to have some interest for the riders.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bezzecchi then said: \u201cI like the schedule, so I can\u2019t complain,\u201d to which Martin replied: \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For as long as that divide remains, the riders are forever at the mercy of whatever MotoGP and Liberty decide for them\u2026<\/p>\n<div data-entity-type=\"poll\" data-entity-uuid=\"80ff8804-830c-49d8-a5ef-6471caf248f9\" data-embed-button=\"poll\" data-entity-embed-display=\"view_mode:poll.teaser\" data-langcode=\"en\" data-entity-embed-display-settings=\"[]\" class=\"embedded-entity\">\n<div class=\"poll\">\n<div class=\"vote-form\">\n<h3 class=\"poll-question\">Is the introduction of a Sprint qualifying session a good move for MotoGP?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/feature\/1106624\/1\/motogps-f1-fuelled-identity-crisis-getting-worse-amid-sprint-qualifying&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-10\/gng_1350751_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] MotoGP\u2019s F1-fuelled identity crisis is getting worse amid sprint qualifying outcry Opinion: MotoGP\u2019s new weekend format has gone down poorly among fans and a lot of the riders, following its announcement this week. While there are many issues that arise in its wake, one of the biggest is the glaring identity crisis [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2187015","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2187015","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2187015"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2187015\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2187015"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2187015"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2187015"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}