Alex Marquez is calling for a substantial reduction in MotoGP sprint races, arguing that the championship is asking too much of its riders. The Gresini rider believes the number of sprints should be cut by at least half, with six or seven per season representing the ideal balance in his view.

Sprint races became part of the MotoGP weekend format in 2023. Combined with the main grands prix, they now produce a season total of 44 races. The workload is expected to rise again in 2027, when the championship is due to introduce sprint qualifying sessions for the first time. Riders had already criticised that planned format at the Indonesian Grand Prix earlier in the month.

A heavier schedule and a safety concern

Marquez argues that the pursuit of additional spectacle is also increasing the riders’ exposure to danger. In his assessment, motorcycles are becoming faster while riders are being required to complete more laps at the limit. He also linked the arrival of sprint races to an increase in injuries, making the issue about more than the length of a single race weekend.

The 30-year-old rider placed particular emphasis on the younger generation, naming Pedro Acosta and Fermin Aldeguer among those who need greater protection. Marquez said that retiring a year earlier or later would not make much difference to him, but that a schedule of this intensity could be especially difficult for riders still in their twenties. His wider argument is that MotoGP should develop long-term heroes rather than stars whose time at the front is brief.