The MotoGP format will be supplemented by sprint races on Saturdays from the 2023 season. The schedule of a MotoGP weekend changes significantly with this change. Those responsible are hoping for a better experience for the fans. The additional race is another burden for the drivers and teams.
Ex-MotoGP regular rider Cal Crutchlow would not want to have an additional race on Saturday. “It’s not only going to be really difficult for the drivers,” he comments critically. “It’s like qualifying. In qualifying you do six laps. That’s eight laps with an out/in lap, because you have to push there too.”
“I’m like a good red wine. I get faster towards the end of the race,” jokes the Briton, who has competed in a number of races as a substitute for Yamaha in recent years and has shown some remarkable performances.
Why the new MotoGP format doesn’t hit everyone involved equally hard
Crutchlow would be less interested in racing in the coming year, as the sprint races represent an additional burden. “Personally, I think it’s too much. It’s difficult, especially for those with a family,” warns the Yamaha test pilot.
“For those who are young, maybe don’t have a girlfriend, it’s a different situation. For me, 18 grands prix would be enough, but I’m not the one who makes the rules and decides where to race,” Crutchlow explains with a look on the calendar with 21 Grands Prix and a total of 42 races.
Pressure on the team members increases: no one is irreplaceable
For the team members, the 2023 MotoGP calendar is a challenge. But Crutchlow knows that none are indispensable. Team members who leave due to calendar expansion are quickly replaced, Crutchlow says.
“If someone is not satisfied, then someone else comes and takes over the job. It is not a problem to find people who want to work as mechanics, cooks or in hospitality. The teams know that they can always find another employee”, explains the Brit.
“It’s like the drivers. If one driver doesn’t want to go anymore, then another is ready to take over the job,” Crutchlow notes. “There will always be someone who agrees. Even if it were 30 Grands Prix.”
MotoGP riders should get more money for more races
Crutchlow is surprised that the new format with the additional sprint races makes little difference for the drivers from a financial point of view. “The drivers really aren’t very clever, are they?” jokes the Brit. “When you sign a contract, you do it for every event. But the drivers sign for one season.”
“But now they have twice as many races. I was always clever because I signed for the respective races. You never know what will happen. Of course, this also means that money is missing when races are cancelled,” Crutchlow muses and jokes: “Maybe they need some sensible managers.”