P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Fresh reports claim MotoGP is looking at introducing permanent reserve riders for each team in a similar fashion to Formula 1, in order to avoid gaps on the grid in the case of injury. While the practicalities of it are far more complicated than in F1, this idea could provide a golden opportunity for young riders…
MotoGP’s weekend format is considered one of the most demanding in modern motorsport, starting with two Friday practice sessions, where the second one serves as pre-qualifying. The top 10 from this session advance to Saturday’s pole Q2 shootout, while the rest must navigate through Q1, known as “the jungle.”
Qualifying on Friday has a major impact on the rest of the weekend; failing to progress from Q1 essentially ends your chances. The grids for both the sprint and grand prix races are determined by qualifying performance.
Due to the competitiveness, rarely has the full grid been present for a race weekend, with only two full rounds out of 22 in the previous season. Teams can call on test riders as substitutes, but the best ones also play a crucial role in bike development.
There is a discussion within MotoGP about implementing a Formula 1-style reserve system, with a permanent reserve rider traveling with each manufacturer to step in if needed during a race weekend. Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi questions the viability of this approach, pointing out the challenge of finding skilled riders outside the current grid.
