During the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix, two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner openly condemned the Sprint race format recently introduced to the championship, declaring it fundamentally flawed. Stoner warned that this change is placing undue pressure on riders and undermining the technical complexity that once defined MotoGP weekends.
This critique comes amid growing concern among riders and experts, making Stoner’s words a significant voice in the ongoing conversation about the sport’s direction.
Reduced Practice Time Hampers Rider Preparation
Stoner highlighted how the compressed schedule of Sprint races limits the available time for thorough practice and bike setup. Riders now focus heavily on securing fast laps to earn favorable grid positions rather than optimizing their machines for race conditions.
“There are many arguments to explain why it’s not working,”
Stoner stated.
“There’s no longer sufficient time for proper practice. Riders are struggling to fine-tune their bikes for the race because everyone is just trying to set the fastest lap possible to secure a grid position.”
The Shift Away from Traditional Race Preparation
Reflecting on past MotoGP formats, Stoner expressed regret over losing valuable preparation periods, which allowed riders to focus on tire strategies and mechanical adjustments. He stressed that the main race remains the pivotal event deserving detailed preparation and strategy beyond simply sprinting for points.
“In the past, we had more time to truly work on the bike for the weekend, especially for the main race,”
he explained.
“This is a world championship—it’s not just a fun little race with points up for grabs followed by a main event. No, the main race is the real deal. It’s long for a reason.”
Growing Stress and Erosion of MotoGP’s Technical Depth
Stoner expressed concern that the new format’s relentless demands are altering MotoGP’s core character and diminishing the competitive quality fans expect. The pressure to perform at every session, leaving little room for strategic decisions, is increasing riders’ stress and affecting race outcomes.
“This evolution is fundamentally altering the essence of MotoGP and diminishing the quality of the show,”
he said firmly.
“You need to set your bike up correctly, understand whether a soft tire can hold up or if a hard tire, even if slower, is the better option. There are so many factors to consider. Nowadays, everyone is just pushing for lap times. That’s why we see some riders struggling during the race because they haven’t had the time to prepare their bikes for the longer distance. The entire weekend has become incredibly stressful, every session counts, and it feels like just a step to the next phase. In my view, that’s not the best approach.”
Concerns Over MotoGP’s Future Amid Sprint Format Debate
Stoner’s statements underline fears that the sprint race might prioritize spectacle at the expense of the sport’s rich tactical and technical heritage. The qualities that have long made MotoGP unique may be at risk as the championship adapts to these format changes.
As conversations around the Sprint format grow louder, questions arise about whether MotoGP will revisit its recent adjustments or continue prioritizing entertainment over tradition. Stoner’s voice serves as a pointed reminder of the values many within the community believe must remain central to the sport’s identity.
