Fabio Di Giannantonio has voiced concerns over MotoGP's proposed sprint qualifying, suggesting that changes aimed at improving the show can sometimes come at the expense of riders' health.
Last week, Motorsport.com reported that MotoGP stakeholders are considering another overhaul of the weekend format, with an initiative tabled to add a second qualifying for sprint races. Currently, the grid for both races is determined by a single qualifying session held after the final practice on Saturday morning.
The proposed change would bring MotoGP more in line with Formula 1, which holds separate qualifying sessions for sprint races and grands prix on sprint weekends. The measure has been mostly well received by teams and manufacturers and is expected to be ratified for the 2027 season. However, two-time grand prix winner Di Giannantonio believes such a change could have repercussions on riders.
"I really respect what MotoGP is trying to do, to bring as much joy as possible to the people. It's a pity that sometimes it goes a bit against the possible health of the riders," said the Italian. "At the end, we are on two wheels, and when we crash, it's not just a little bang on the wall; it can be an injury, it can be something big. It’s becoming tougher and tougher to maintain the condition through the year for these pushing moments."
Di Giannantonio also pointed to the limited influence riders have over decisions shaping the future of MotoGP, with the championship lacking an organisation akin to Formula 1's Grand Prix Drivers' Association. "Our opinion is a bit less important at the moment for the sport," he said. "We are trying to put up the sport, so let's trust them and let's give it a go, that's it."
MotoGP introduced sprint races in 2023 to add another competitive element, with each grand prix weekend now featuring a half-distance contest. This move also brought a major overhaul of the weekend format, leaving riders with just a single straightforward session on Friday morning before they have to go on the attack in Practice to secure a spot in Q2. Di Giannantonio believes the current weekend format is already demanding enough, saying he would prefer to have more "relaxed practice sessions" instead of another qualifying.
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