MotoGP is designing a new format for its competitions, with the introduction of two qualifying sessions each weekend starting next season. This innovation, which will include a session for the main race and another for the sprint races, resembles the model applied by Formula 1.
This proposal has already been presented at the dialogue forum between teams, championship organization, and manufacturers. The initiative is expected to receive the necessary approval in the coming days to be implemented in the upcoming 2027 season.
The new format is part of the growing number of scheduled sprint races, which will increase from six to ten in the next season. Currently, MotoGP only has one qualifying session, which determines the grid for both sprint races and main races.
While the measure has been well received by most stakeholders, it will still be necessary to follow the procedural channels to officially integrate it into the championship rules. Before this happens, it will be necessary to define the schedule for each race weekend. According to industry sources, the main difference from the F1 model will be that the sprint session will take place in the afternoon, while in F1 it is held on Saturday morning.
Moreover, there are pressures for the qualifying to be divided into three sessions —Q1, Q2, and Q3— as done in Formula 1, instead of the current system of two phases, Q1 and Q2.
It is worth noting that the original proposal to introduce sprint races to MotoGP was raised four years ago in Spielberg, where the next race will be held. Unlike F1, which started with three sprint races, MotoGP has opted to standardize the format and include them in all events.
Regarding the new format of MotoGP for 2023, riders have expressed their concern about the level of stress that the current calendar brings, which only allows for one free practice session on Friday morning before the qualifying sessions.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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