MotoGP is shaking up its weekend schedule once again, as Motorsport.com reports that a new format featuring a dedicated qualifying session for sprint races will officially come into effect next year. The change was approved by the teams in a vote held at the Red Bull Ring, echoing the venue where plans for Formula 1-style sprint races first emerged back in 2022.
While not as disruptive as the 2023 introduction of sprint races, teams, riders, and fans will soon have to adapt to a brand-new dynamic. The most significant shift is the arrival of a second qualifying session. Up until now, a single qualifying session on Saturday has set the grid for both the sprint and the main grand prix. From next season, however, the sprint grid will be decided by a 15-minute qualifying session on Friday afternoon, while the grid for the main race will be determined by Saturday morning qualifying immediately following a 20-minute FP3.
This major reform also eliminates Friday's Practice session, which previously decided who progressed directly to Q2 and who had to battle through Q1. Consequently, the opening day of track action will feature an extra session, starting with a 45-minute practice in the morning, followed by a 30-minute free practice session, and wrapping up with the 15-minute sprint qualifying. Saturday will then see FP3 run for 20 minutes before heading into Q1 for all riders, and Q2 featuring the 12 fastest.
Interestingly, the paddock initially considered splitting Saturday qualifying into three sessions à la F1 with Q1, Q2, and Q3, but that proposal was ultimately rejected during the Spielberg vote. Meanwhile, the sprint race itself will remain in its Saturday afternoon slot.
Sunday mornings are getting a makeover too, with the warm-up session being removed entirely. This frees up riders to take part in promotional activities and prep for the afternoon's main event, while also giving teams a 10-minute pitlane opening that allows riders to complete several laps by passing through the pitlane.
