The MotoGP is about to introduce a new qualifying format for each race weekend, with two separate sessions, one for the main race and another for the sprint race. This proposal, inspired by the Formula 1 model, could be approved in the coming days, allowing for its implementation starting next season.
The plan has already been presented in a dialogue forum among teams, the championship organization, and manufacturers. If ratified, MotoGP will be introduced simultaneously with the increase in sprint races, which will rise from six to ten in the 2027 calendar.
Currently, the MotoGP qualifying system consists of a single session that determines the grid for both the main race and the sprint. This new division will allow riders to achieve better positions for both competitions.
The proposal has been well received by most teams and manufacturers. However, the adoption of this measure will still need to follow the relevant procedural channels, which include reviewing the agenda for each race weekend.
One of the main differences between the MotoGP and F1 models is that the sprint races will take place in the afternoon, unlike F1, where they usually occur in the morning. This implies a significant restructuring of the usual race schedule.
Moreover, there are arguments from some participants for the qualifying format to be divided into three sessions, emulating the Q1, Q2, and Q3 of F1, instead of the current two-stage system.
The initiative to include sprint races in the MotoGP calendar was born four years ago, coinciding with the first appearance of this format in F1. Unlike F1, which started with three sprint races, MotoGP has opted for a constant format for all its competitions.
This change will need to be addressed considering the levels of stress and risk that riders already experience in the current format, where they only have a free practice session before the first qualifying round.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
