MotoGP follows a new standardized weekend format designed to maximize excitement and ensure a fair ground for all riders. Spanning over three days, the schedule includes practice sessions, qualifying, and races, each playing a pivotal role in the championship. Let’s break down the MotoGP weekend format:

Friday: Practice Sessions

The action kicks off on Friday with Free Practice (FP) and Pracitce session. These sessions allow riders to familiarize themselves with the track and fine-tune their bikes’ setups. While these are officially practice sessions, they hold significance, as the times from practice determine the starting rankings for Saturday’s qualifying. This means that if you finish Friday’s practice session in the top 10, you secure a direct place in Qualifying 2 (Q2).

Saturday: Qualifying and Sprint

Saturday is packed with critical events. The day begins with an additional practice session, offering riders a chance to refine their setups. This practice leads straight into qualifying, where riders compete to secure their starting grid positions for both the Sprint Race and the main race.

Qualifying is divided into two stages: Q1 and Q2. Qualifying starts with Q1, where all riders outside of Friday’s top 10 participate. However, the two fastest riders in Q1 advance to Q2, where they fight for a place in the top 12 starting positions.

The excitement continues in the afternoon with the Sprint Race. Introduced in 2023, the Sprint Race covers half the distance of the main race. It awards points to the top 9 riders, adding a new dimension to the championship battle.

Sunday: Race Day

Sunday is the highlight of the weekend. The day starts with a brief warm-up session, giving riders a final opportunity to make adjustments. The main race starts in the afternoon. Points are awarded to the top 15 finishers, with 25 points for the winner. This race is the most crucial in terms of championship impact.