I’m going to talk about the MotoGP sprint race today. So, I got up early and drove to the track.
When I got there, I noticed some changes. The sprint race is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, which is new. It doesn’t replace the usual qualifying sessions, just adds to the excitement. And guess what? They’re doing this at every Grand Prix event now.
I watched closely as the riders prepared. The sprint race is shorter, around half the distance of the main race. That means it’s usually about 15 to 20 minutes of non-stop action, compared to the 45 minutes or more for the full race. It’s just full-throttle racing, no pit stops, nothing.
Here’s what I jotted down about how they score it:
- 1st place: 12 points
- 2nd place: 9 points
- 3rd place: 7 points
And it goes down from there, with each rider in the top nine getting one less point. It’s pretty straightforward.
Setting up the race
The starting grid is based on the qualifying speeds, fastest at the front. I saw them line up, all ready for a 45-minute sprint. No stopping for fuel or tires, which was started in 2005, I recalled.
As the race started, the energy was unbelievable. It’s shorter, so every second counts. The riders were pushing hard, and the crowd, including me, was totally into it.
Watching the MotoGP sprint race was a blast. It’s quick, it’s intense, and it’s a great addition to the race weekend. If you’re into racing, you’ve got to check it out. It’s a whole different kind of thrill.
