MotoGP reveals changes to 2027 race weekend format - including new Sprint qualifying session

MotoGP has announced significant changes to its 2027 format, introducing a qualifying session for the MotoGP Sprint. The change to the sprint race means it will now have a separate grid order, with qualifying set to take place on Friday ahead of the main event on Saturday.

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The updated Friday order will see the action get underway with a 45-minute Free Practice 1, followed by a 30-minute Free Practice 2, which will replace the existing practice session.

Free Practice 2 will be an opportunity for riders to get to grips with the track as it does not result in entry into any other sessions over the weekend.

All MotoGP riders will then go head-to-head in the new Sprint qualifying, which will bring Friday’s racing to a close.

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The session will decide the riders’ starting positions for Saturday afternoon’s Sprint.

A 20-minute free practice session, and the Grand Prix race qualifying, will be held before that.

MotoGP fans will then have even more excitement to sink their teeth into on Sunday with the Moto3 Grand Prix, the Moto2 Grand Prix, and the MotoGP Grand Prix, bringing the weekend’s action to a close.

As a result, the MotoGP Warm Up will now take place before the MotoGP Grand Prix, providing a 10-minute window for riders to complete their sighting laps.

The 2026 MotoGP season will resume this weekend when the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia gets underway.

Aprilia Racing’s Jorge Martin leads the way in the overall standings as things stand.

However, Marc Marquez closed the gap at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, reducing the deficit to two points after coming out on top in the main event.

2027 MotoGP Format

FRIDAY:
FP1 - 45 minutes
FP2 - 30 minutes
Sprint Qualifying - 15 minutes

SATURDAY:
FP3 - 20 minutes
Grand Prix Q1 - 15 minutes - all riders
Grand Prix Q2 - 15 minutes - top 12 from Q1
MotoGP Sprint - grid from Sprint qualifying

SUNDAY:
Moto3 Grand Prix
Moto2 Grand Prix
MotoGP Grand Prix - grid from Grand Prix qualifying

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