P1racenews AI automatic summary:
While accepting that Sprint races are good for the show, many MotoGP riders would prefer Sprints not to be held at every round.
In 2023, MotoGP introduced sprint races to their schedule, adding a new half-distance race to every Saturday afternoon, with the exception of the cancelled Phillip Island Sprint. These sprints were well-received by fans, resulting in a significant boost in Saturday attendance compared to Sundays. However, injuries became a major concern as not a single MotoGP weekend passed without a full rider line-up on the grid. Despite the increased number of accidents, race accidents were seen as more dangerous than practice or qualifying falls, leading riders to question the link between sprints and injuries. The riders proposed a compromise, suggesting that sprint races be the exception rather than the norm, similar to F1. However, this approach would create new challenges, such as deciding which tracks would host sprints and potential dissatisfaction among promoters and teams. Overall, while sprint races were considered good for the show, there were concerns about the demanding nature and increased risk of injuries.
