Dispute Over Sprint Race Bonuses - Pernat: "If They Don't Give It to Us, I Don't Think We Will Race"
Categories: MotoGP
The introduction of sprint races means enormous additional workloads for the MotoGP paddock. Manager Carlo Pernat demands adequate compensation for the riders and threatens the worst.
After many years of standstill in MotoGP, the old familiar format will be adapted for the new season. The introduction of one sprint race per race weekend is controversial in the paddock and meets with incomprehension, especially among the racing teams and riders.
Carlo Pernat is not happy with the introduction of sprint races to MotoGP – Image provided by Motorsport Images
In addition to the increased workload, the increased number of races also puts the riders’ health more and more at risk.
On top of that, some riders and especially the managers see the sprint races as an incentive for more money from the teams.
More races should also mean more bonus payments. Managers like Carlo Pernat demand: Half points, half bonus!
The Spaniard is of the opinion that the sprint races have not only been forced on the riders but that they are not considered at all in the current contracts.
The manager of Ducati factory team newcomer Enea Bastianini demands:
“It’s half points, we want half a bonus, with the sponsors we have already included the bonuses for the Sprint Races in the contract.”
The Ligure is not alone in his opinion. Several other rider-manager pairings are on the same page.
“We have already agreed with Albert Valera (manager of Aleix Espargarò and Jorge Martin) and with Giovanni Balestra (manager of Maverick Vinales).”
Carlo Pernat at the Catalan Grand Prix – Image provided by Getty Images
But who should pay the bonuses? The teams don’t see the point of paying bonuses for races they don’t want and pass the responsibility on to Dorna. After all, Dorna has forced the sprint races on everyone, not just the riders.
Carlo Pernat reports: “It’s a fight between Dorna, the team and the riders. I asked Ducati for money and they said ‘go to Dorna’, Dorna replied ‘go to the team, it’s their business’.”
If they don’t find common ground in the near future, a tough dispute in the paddock is imminent. Pernat is even threatening not to compete, should his protégé not get what he wanted.
“After three races the riders will go nuts. For now, there are no match bonuses in the contracts and if they don’t give it to us, I don’t think we’ll race.”
