New weekend format in 2027. What will change in MotoGP?

4. 11. 2026

MotoGP is set for a major shake-up in 2027, with significant changes to the race weekend format officially confirmed. The new schedule will introduce a separate qualifying session for sprint races, a revised Friday programme and the removal of Sunday's traditional warm-up session.

Following the introduction of sprint races in 2023, MotoGP is preparing for another major change next season. The biggest adjustment will see qualifying split into two separate sessions, meaning Sprint and Sunday Grands Prix will have their own starting grids.

Sprint races to get separate qualifying session on Fridays

The most significant change is the introduction of a dedicated qualifying session for Saturday's Sprint. The 15-minute session will take place on Friday afternoon, with the results determining the starting grid for the Sprint.

Under the current format, a single qualifying session on Saturday morning determines the starting order for both the Sprint and Sunday's main race.

Friday's schedule will also undergo a major overhaul. The current timed Practice session, which determines which riders progress directly to Q2 and which must go through Q1, will be scrapped.

Instead, Friday will feature a 45-minute opening free practice session (FP1), followed by a 30-minute FP2 session. The day will then conclude with the new 15-minute Sprint qualifying session.

Saturday qualifying to determine Sunday's grid only

Saturday's action will begin with a 20-minute third free practice session (FP3), followed by qualifying for Sunday's Grand Prix.

Qualifying will retain its two-part format, with Q1 and Q2 each lasting 15 minutes. However, all riders will now take part in Q1, with only the 12 fastest progressing to Q2.

The Sprint will continue to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday warm-up to be scrapped

Another significant change will affect Sunday's schedule, with the traditional morning warm-up session being removed entirely.

Until now, the warm-up has provided riders with one final opportunity to fine-tune their bikes and assess track conditions ahead of the main race.

Friday

  • FP1: 45 minutes

  • FP2: 30 minutes

  • Sprint Qualifying (SQ): 15 minutes

Saturday

  • FP3: 20 minutes

  • Q1: 15 minutes (all riders)

  • Q2: 15 minutes (12 fastest riders)

  • Sprint Race (starting grid determined by Friday's sprint qualifying)

Sunday

  • No morning warm-up

  • Grand Prix (starting grid determined by Saturday's qualifying)