Sprint races have marked one of the biggest single format changes in grand prix motorcycle racing’s more than 70-year history.
While reviews of the sprint format were mixed from the riders to begin with, after eight rounds criticisms of the half-distance races have faded away.
For the most part, the sprints have added an exciting new dynamic to race weekends and have generally proved to be of good entertainment value.
The extra 12 points now on offer for a sprint win on grand prix weekends have also made a significant impact on the championship picture as MotoGP settles into its summer break.
Following the Dutch GP weekend, reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia holds a 35-point lead over Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin.
1. Francesco Bagnaia – 194
2. Jorge Martin – 159
3. Marco Bezzecchi - 158
4. Brad Binder – 114
5. Johann Zarco – 109
6. Luca Marini – 98
7. Jack Miller – 79
8. Aleix Espargaro – 77
9. Fabio Quartararo – 64
10. Alex Marquez - 63
As the above results show, the top three in the championship are fairly close together before a big jump of 44 points to find fourth-placed Brad Binder.
Source: Autosport