MotoGP Riders Voice Concerns Over Grueling 2025 Schedule and Physical Toll
The relentless 2025 MotoGP calendar, featuring a record 22 grands prix and the addition of sprint races at every event, is pushing riders to their physical and mental limits, according to leading competitors. The expanded schedule, boosted by the return of races in the Czech Republic and Argentina alongside a new track in Hungary, has resulted in a demanding 44-race season, sparking debate about rider welfare and performance sustainability.
Increased Demands, diminished Recovery
Reflecting on the recently concluded season, several riders expressed concerns about the lack of adequate time for training and recovery. One prominent rider stated, “Too many races. Too many travelling days, too many for the body. 44 races, [it is] too many.” The compressed schedule leaves minimal opportunity for riders to maintain peak physical condition throughout the year.
“Zero training,” the rider continued.”You train a lot in one month, letS say, in January, and then you just try to survive.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining energy levels,particularly heading into crucial races.”Last push on Sunday [in Valencia], then you need to be focused on Tuesday, because you need to do tuesday in a good way. If you don’t have enough energy on Tuesday, it becomes risky as you always need to be feeling good and good in your mind to go on the bike.”
Performance and Perception
While acknowledging the demanding schedule, marco Bezzecchi, a rider who enjoyed a strong finish to the 2025 campaign with wins in Portimao and Valencia, suggested that a rider’s performance can influence their perception of the calendar. “It depends a lot on the mood, because if you are going well, you enjoy and you feel that the races are going super quick,” he explained. “In my case, such as, after Jerez, I have to say that time was flying.” Though, he conceded the physical and mental toll of 22 races, compounded by the sprint races. “Its arduous to have 22 races with the motorbike, 44 with the sprints. So physically it’s tough, mentally also. But if you are able to build a good relationship with your team and you feel good at the races,then we are doing what we love,so it’s ok.”
Global Expansion and Rider Wellbeing
Much of MotoGP’s expansion has focused on tapping into new markets in Asia, mirroring a strategy employed by Formula 1 to broaden the championship’s global reach. Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia welcomed the push for new venues, but expressed a desire for a slightly shorter season. “We are prepared for everything and I think it’s fair to have a calendar like this,” he said. “We are enjoying riding and, honestly, doing more races out of europe is nice and we have a good time there.” He added, “In my situation, honestly, it’s more tough, but it’s what it is – and it’s great that it’s like this.Last year,I needed one more race,this season maybe five less. But it’s what it is.”
injury Risk Amplified
KTM’s Pedro Acosta acknowledged the increased risk associated with the expanded calendar, particularly concerning injuries. “I think it’s a good number,” he said. “We spend a lot of time with the team. And it’s good [to have more races], even in the bad moments, to maintain a flow.” Though, he pointed out that injuries now carry greater consequences. “It’s true that it’s quiet tough for riders that get injured. Normally, in the past, you lose one or two races, and now you could lose maybe four in a row if your injury is not super big. Like Marco said, it depends on the mood that you are in. The only negative is if you become injured.”
The concerns raised by the riders highlight a growing tension between the commercial demands of expanding the MotoGP championship and the need to prioritize the wellbeing of those who compete in it. As the sport continues to grow, finding a lasting balance will be crucial for ensuring the long-term health and vitality of MotoGP.
