Francesco Bagnaia has thrown a radical idea into the mix amid rumours of a new MotoGP qualifying system for 2027. The Ducati rider suggests using the fastest lap times from the sprint race to set the grid for Sunday's grand prix.
The proposal comes after Motorsport.com revealed that MotoGP is considering splitting qualifying for sprint races and grands prix. Currently, Saturday morning qualifying sets the grid for both the afternoon sprint and Sunday's race. Bagnaia has a different vision.
"For me, the best could be that the lap time of sprint race would be the grid of the Sunday race. Like they do in Supersport. For me, it's a clear idea," Bagnaia said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
The Italian believes this system is clever because in a sprint race, riders are already preparing for Sunday. "So the lap times of Saturday could help to make an improvement. Because the same qualifying for two races is a problem. Sometimes you can crash in qualifying. Having a second chance with the lap time of the sprint could be good," he continued.
Bagnaia spoke after a promising sixth-place finish in the Austrian sprint. He also sees this system as an elegant way to eliminate a competitive session from the weekend. Currently, riders must make the top 10 in Friday practice just to qualify for Q2 on Saturday morning. This ensures a minimum of two timed sessions and two races.
The amount of competitive track time has been criticised, with some pointing to it as a factor in accidents and injuries. At this race last season, two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner came out strongly against making riders go for times in Friday practice. "I just hope that they will not increase the number of sessions because Saturday is already a very tough day for us," Bagnaia stressed. "For me, it's also not correct to put the qualifying with the practice session. So we need a balance on that."
Fellow Italian Luca Marini responded with scepticism. "At the end, practice is a qualifying, yeah? So we will have maybe one qualifying on Friday afternoon and one, like now, on Saturday morning. Same as now," the Honda rider said. Marini hopes riders will be involved in the discussion. "We are open to any change that can be a little bit better for the riders, for the manufacturers, and better for the show. So let's talk about it."
The debate is ongoing. If Bagnaia's proposal gains traction, the face of MotoGP in 2027 could change dramatically. Fans await a format that is both safer and more competitive.
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