Debate: GPs in one or two days?
We can most likely expect the first calendar for the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship at the end of this month. This also means we return to the old competition schedule for a GP with training and a qualifying heat on Saturday. What do the drivers think of that?
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the World Cup has had to adapt to a new one-day schedule. Last year also saw consecutive GPs at the same locations for the first time. In any case, the return to the traditional rhythm has divided opinions.
The reasons for the return of free practice and qualifying races for MXGP and MX2 are simple. More time on the track for the top riders, allowing the public to see them more often and thus giving the GP organizers more value for their money. After all, it is easier for them to sell tickets for both days. In the meantime, however, we are already used to a timetable with EMX and support classes on Saturdays.
No added value
Some riders prefer the intensity of a one-day routine. “We should just keep it to one day. Less travel, fewer risks and cheaper for the industry,” says MXGP World Championship leader Jeffrey Herlings. “I don't see the point in returning to two-day competitions. By the way, I think you can have a longer career with one-day events.”
“I think the same way,” says Red Bull KTM teammate Jorge Prado. “I think we already do enough with one-day races. We've been racing so much. So adding another day and more time on the track doesn't make sense.”
Current world champion Tim Gajser, on the other hand, sees it differently. More sessions provide more opportunities to achieve the correct adjustment. This could also benefit the KTM riders in 2022 as they have to develop brand new 450 and 250 SX-F models). “I can't wait to go back to two days because a World Cup match has to last two days,” said the Slovenian. “Just look at MotoGP or F1. They already drive there on Friday. I think it's good for the sport and it would also be good to get more time on the track.”
Herlings VS Gajser, Different opinions
The topic about the ideal race schedule led to an interesting conversation between title rivals Herlings and Gajser during the press conference after the Spanish GP last weekend. They both agreed that the efforts during a qualifying race and a qualifying victory should yield more than just a good place behind the starting gate. “If you take pole position in Arco [di Trento], it is actually for nothing. You might as well start strong from 20th," Herlings said. “If you still want a qualifying series, do it like in F1 or MotoGP where it really yields something. Otherwise it will be twenty extra races, twenty times an extra risk and possibly more injuries. I don't see the point in it… but I'm just a rider!”
Gajser agreed, but did not want to go so far as to rely on staggered starts as in road racing or other motor sports. “The Polman has an advantage everywhere… but if we were to start this way it would no longer be motocross.”
“Then the start should be like in Lacapelle Marival where you have an angled start and pole gives a clear advantage for the tight first left corner,” replied The Bullet. “If you hold a GP in two days, make sure there is at least an advantage to it.”
According to rumors, the new MXGP calendar aims for 20 events next year. The overseas GPs would also make their return. The World Championship calendar from February to September would conclude with the 75th Motocross of Nations in Red Bud in the US.
Tekst: Adam Wheeler & Tom Jacobs
Photos: Ray Archer
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