MotoGP could be set to introduce qualifying sessions for its sprint races from 2027, in a move that would ape Formula 1’s format. According to Motorsport, a proposal to introduce separate qualifying sessions to decide the grid for the sprint races has been tabled by MotoGP to manufacturers and teams.
Currently, MotoGP uses a single qualifying session to set the grid for both the sprint and the grand prix. However, under the new proposal, the sprint grid would be determined by a separate qualifying session, similar to F1's approach.
Since adopting sprint races in 2023, MotoGP has diverged from F1 by holding them at every race on the calendar, instead of select events. In 2027, F1 will increase its number of sprint races to 10, but this is still 12 shy of MotoGP’s total for a campaign.
The current MotoGP weekend format consists of: a 60-minute practice session that decides the top 10 riders advancing directly to Q2, a 15-minute Q1 (top two go to Q2, grid positions from 13th to last finalised), a 15-minute Q2 (decides the top 12 on the grid), a sprint race (half distance of the main race), and the grand prix (full-distance race). Qualifying decides the grid for both races on a grand prix weekend.
With sprint qualifying, riders would face an additional qualifying session, adding to their already demanding weekends filled with track sessions, sponsor activations, and media duties. Some riders have already voiced concerns about the workload.
The introduction of sprint qualifying will have to pass through the official ratification by the Grand Prix Commission. Therefore, it’s not a given that this will come into force. Earlier this year, MotoGP looked set to adopt a one-bike rule from next season, only for that proposal to collapse. Moreover, in 2022 at the Austrian Grand Prix, riders found out through the media that MotoGP had greenlit the introduction of sprints, raising questions about how much consultation the riders have had on this matter.
If implemented, sprint qualifying could change the dynamics of competition and team strategies. However, with various considerations, including rider objections, we’ll have to wait and see. One thing is clear: MotoGP continues to innovate to enhance the show, even if it means learning from F1’s experience.
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