[MotoGP] New Qualifying Session for Sprint Races! New Format Announced Starting in 2027

MotoGP has announced a new weekend session format to be introduced starting from the 2027 season. In line with the introduction of new technical regulations, a dedicated qualifying session for the Sprint will be established, resulting in different starting grids for the Sprint and the Grand Prix.

New Sprint-Dedicated Qualifying on Friday, Grand Prix Qualifying Held on Saturday

The new weekend format to be introduced from the 2027 season was announced as a decision by the Grand Prix Commission. The goal is to optimize the balance between highlights for fans in each session and the track time for riders and teams, in conjunction with the introduction of new technical regulations.

The Friday schedule will start with a 45-minute Free Practice 1 (FP1), just as before. This will be followed by a 30-minute Free Practice 2 (FP2), replacing the traditional Practice session. This new FP2 has a shortened duration, and no timing will be conducted to determine advancement to other sessions. Finally, at the end of Friday, a 15-minute "Sprint Qualifying" session will be held, in which all riders will participate. This will determine the starting grid for the Sprint race held on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's action begins with a 20-minute Free Practice 3 (FP3). Afterward, qualifying for Sunday's Grand Prix race will take place. A 15-minute Grand Prix Q1 session will be held with all riders participating, and the top 12 will advance to the 15-minute Grand Prix Q2. Saturday concludes with the Sprint race, based on the grid determined by Friday's Sprint Qualifying.

Sunday Warm-up Session Abolished, Sighting Laps Added Before the Final

Sunday's schedule has also been reorganized, with the Moto3 and Moto2 Grand Prix races now taking place before the MotoGP class. The warm-up session previously held on the morning of the MotoGP race day has been abolished.

Instead, the pit lane will be opened for 10 minutes before the start of the MotoGP Grand Prix race. This allows riders to perform multiple sighting laps, giving them the opportunity to shake down their machines before the race begins. Afterward, the final race will start from the starting grid determined by Saturday's Grand Prix Q1 and Q2.

Carlos Ezpeleta, MotoGP Deputy CEO, stated that in 2027, along with the new technical regulations, races will unfold with two different grids, expressing his expectations for even greater spectacle. He also explained that fans should keep an eye on the 2026 title fight, which is the closest in history. In October 2026, Marquez won the Japan GP and achieved a major record, and from the 2027 season, the title fight will unfold under this new format.

MotoGP:https://www.motogp.com/