In a bold vision for the future of MotoGP, Davide Brivio is calling for a transformative change that could redefine the weekend racing format, enhancing both competition and spectacle. Speaking with Crash.net, the influential team principal of Trackhouse conveyed his belief that while the racing dynamics in MotoGP are thrilling, there exists a crucial need for improvement in how weekends are structured.
Brivio’s most compelling proposal centers around the qualification rounds. He advocates for a split system, suggesting, “Personally, I would divide the qualifications. One for the Sprint and one for the Grand Prix race.” This innovative approach aims to alleviate the pressure that currently mounts on riders, particularly on Friday afternoons when a single qualifying session dictates outcomes for both races. The current system, he argues, can unfairly penalize a rider for a poor qualifying performance, impacting their entire weekend in a sport where every second counts.
This sentiment is echoed by riders themselves, such as Luca Marini, who highlighted the frustration of having an entire weekend compromised by external factors like crashes or yellow flags. Marini pointedly remarked, “If you get messed up by a fall or a yellow flag, it’s a shame to throw away the whole weekend,” emphasizing the need for a more forgiving qualification format. He even proposed that instead of the current two, four riders should be allowed to advance from Q1, potentially leveling the playing field and making for a more exciting competition.
Brivio also turned the spotlight on impending technical regulations, particularly with the anticipated shift to 850cc engines in 2027. He stressed the importance of aligning these regulations with the overarching goal of delivering an exhilarating show for fans. “We will face a significant change, but we need to think about what we can do to enhance the spectacle,” he stated, underlining a forward-thinking attitude that prioritizes the viewer experience as MotoGP evolves.
As the sport stands on the brink of potentially seismic shifts, Brivio’s insights may very well serve as a catalyst for discussions that could reshape the future of motorcycle racing. The combination of a revamped qualification process and thoughtful regulatory changes could not only elevate the competition but also enthrall fans, ensuring that MotoGP remains at the forefront of motorsport entertainment.
