According to Aleix Espargaro, the fact that the Q2 places are decided on Friday afternoon is not ideal for many riders – because qualifying is extremely important
The qualifying format with Q1 and Q2 has been in place since the 2013 MotoGP season. For many years, the combined result of the three free practice sessions determined the top 10 who qualified directly for Q2. Apart from capricious weather conditions, this decision was usually made in Saturday morning practice
With the introduction of the sprint races in 2023, the schedule was completely changed. Initially, the combined result of the two Friday practice sessions determined the direct Q2 places. The format was adjusted slightly in the summer.
Only Friday afternoon practice now determines the Q2 places. This has taken some of the pressure off the teams, as they can concentrate on their work in peace during morning practice.
Nevertheless, afternoon practice is extremely important, because direct Q2 qualification is half the battle for a good result in the two races due to the high power density in the field.
“Qualifying has become super important,” emphasizes Aleix Espargaro. “If you put the bike on the front row of the grid, then things have to go very badly in the sprint so that you’re not in the top 5. It is what it is.”
But the Aprilia rider also says: “I don’t like this format, that you have to qualify for the top 10 in the second practice session. And I don’t think any MotoGP rider likes that. I can also say that because nobody in the safety committee likes it.”
Are alternative proposals put forward by the riders in the safety commission? “We give our opinion, but it’s Dorna’s championship and not that of us riders. We have to follow the rules,” says Espargaro.
The oldest rider in the field is also clear: “The reality is that it’s better for the show if you attack on Friday night with two soft tires. I can understand that. If we were to drive for an hour without soft tires, it would be very boring.”
“But it has a big impact on the weekend because it’s so important. It’s not about whether I like it or not. You have to adapt to it because it affects the race a lot.” Changes to the weekend format are also not currently being discussed. Sprints remain
