MotoGP is preparing for a significant change in race weekend format starting with the 2027 season. This change involves the Sprint race and the Sunday Grand Prix race no longer using the same qualifying results. A Formula 1-like approach is planned.
In discussions with teams and manufacturers, the idea of holding two separate qualifying sessions at the end of each week was proposed. One of these qualifying sessions would determine the Sprint race grid, while the other would determine the starting position for the Sunday Grand Prix.
Separation of Sprint and Grand Prix Qualifying
In the current MotoGP system, the grid determined during the Saturday morning Q1 and Q2 sessions was used for both the Sprint and the Sunday Grand Prix. However, this situation may change under the new system.
In the new format, a separate qualifying session will be organized for the Sprint. Additionally, a separate qualifying session will be determined for the Grand Prix. If this arrangement is implemented, a rider's starting position in the Sprint could be completely different from their starting position in the Sunday Grand Prix. For example, a rider who makes an error or suffers an accident in the Sprint qualifying could compete again in the Grand Prix qualifying and move up the starting order for the Sunday race. Similarly, a rider who wins pole position in the Sprint does not have a guarantee that they will start from pole position in the Grand Prix. With this regulation, two separate pole contests and two separate grids will emerge at the end of the MotoGP weekend.
Format Changes and Rider Load
Discussions are also ongoing regarding whether the new system might be limited only to qualifying sessions. One party requested that the current Q1-Q2 format be converted into a three-stage format: Q1-Q2-Q3. This suggestion could imply adopting the elimination format used in Formula 1. However, it is not yet clear whether this proposal will be accepted. Therefore, the definitive session schedule for the 2027 MotoGP weekend has not yet been established.
Furthermore, the timing of the Sprint race may also change. It is not expected that the Sprint race will entirely copy the Formula 1 model. According to information, the MotoGP Sprint race is expected to be held in the current afternoon time slot on Saturday. This raises the critical question of how the organizers will schedule the second qualifying session into the existing weekend program. Another major question mark of the new format is the increased physical and mental load on riders during the race weekend. Some riders have expressed concerns about this increased intensity since the Sprint format was introduced in 2023. If a second qualifying session is added, it might require shortening one of the existing free practice sessions or restructuring the entire weekend schedule. However, there is no definitive plan regarding this matter.
Lack of Official Procedure
The fact that the change is not an official MotoGP regulation hinders the finalization of the organization. Although discussions have been held with teams and manufacturers, this regulation requires the completion of necessary official procedures and approval from the Grand Prix Commission to become official. A strong example of why this is important was seen in MotoGP recently. For instance, a proposal aiming to reduce motorcycle engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc failed due to a lack of consensus among manufacturers. Therefore, the Sprint qualifying plan should be considered a proposal that is anticipated but lacks official approval.
2027 will be a major turning point for MotoGP. With new technical regulations, motorcycle engine capacity will be reduced to 850cc, and Pirelli will become the tire supplier for the championship instead of Michelin. Along with these technical changes, the race weekends may need to be restructured. If the acceptance of a separate Sprint qualifying session occurs, the dynamics of the MotoGP weekend will change significantly.
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
