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In the biggest shake-up to the grand prix format for decades, MotoGP will introduce half-distance sprint races on the Saturday of every round in 2023.
The sprint is an independent race and will not count as a qualifying for the main grand prix, which will continue to take place on Sundays.
The introduction of the new format came as a surprise to the riders when it was announced last year as the proposal was for sprints to feature at all 21 rounds in 2023, unlike in Formula 1 where there are currently six across the season.
The green light for the rethink was given by series promoters Dorna Sports and the governing body the FIM at last year’s Austrian Grand Prix, though by this time most of the grid had already signed thei …