Halis Sunnetci
07 October 2026•Update: 07 October 2026
MotoGP will introduce separate qualifying sessions and starting grids for Sprint and Grand Prix races from the 2027 season, the championship announced Wednesday.
Since Sprint races were introduced in 2023, a single qualifying session on Saturday has determined the starting grid for both races.
Under the new format, Friday will begin with a 45-minute Free Practice 1, followed by a 30-minute Free Practice 2 that will no longer determine which riders advance directly to Grand Prix qualifying.
Friday will end with a 15-minute Sprint qualifying session involving all riders, which will determine the grid for Saturday's Sprint race, MotoGP said.
Saturday will start with a 20-minute Free Practice 3 before qualifying determines the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix.
All riders will compete in a 15-minute Grand Prix Q1, with the fastest 12 advancing to the 15-minute Q2 session.
The Sprint will then take place later Saturday using the grid determined by Friday's Sprint qualifying.
Sunday's traditional MotoGP warm-up will also be removed, according to the championship.
Instead, the pit lane will open for 10 minutes ahead of the Grand Prix, allowing riders to complete multiple sighting laps before the race.
The changes will coincide with MotoGP's new technical regulations for 2027, including a reduction in engine capacity from 1,000cc to 850cc.
