Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

For the 2026 MotoGP season, Friday Practice decides which 10 riders go straight to Q2; Saturday qualifying sets the grid for both the Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix. The Sprint is a separate points-scoring race, not a qualifying heat. MotoGP has announced a different format for 2027, so the season matters when you follow the sessions.

How a MotoGP weekend works in 2026

Session times vary by event, so check the official MotoGP calendar and schedule for the Grand Prix you plan to watch. The usual premier-class sequence is:

When Session What to watch for
Friday morning Free Practice 1 (FP1), 45 minutes Riders and teams work on setup.
Friday afternoon Practice, 60 minutes The 10 fastest riders earn direct entry to Q2.
Saturday morning Free Practice 2 (FP2), 30 minutes Further preparation before qualifying.
Saturday morning Qualifying 1 (Q1), 15 minutes Riders who did not finish in Friday Practice’s top 10 compete for the two remaining Q2 places.
Saturday morning Qualifying 2 (Q2), 15 minutes The 12 riders in Q2 contest the top 12 grid positions.
Saturday afternoon Tissot Sprint A shorter race, approximately half the distance of Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Sunday morning Warm-up Final preparation before the race.
Sunday afternoon Grand Prix The full-length premier-class race.

What MotoGP qualifying decides

In 2026, qualifying establishes the starting grid for both Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix. Friday Practice is important because its 10 fastest riders qualify directly for Q2. The remaining riders contest Q1, and its two fastest advance to Q2. Q2 determines the first 12 grid positions; Q1 sets positions 13th onward.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In practical terms, qualifying is about where riders start, while the races determine their finishing positions and points. The Sprint result does not change the Sunday grid.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
MotoGP 24
  • The Official 2024 Championship in the palm of your hand with new features, fierce rivalries, and online competitions to win
  • Your AI opponent crossed the line and didn’t play fair? The Race Direction will penalize everyone equally, without distinction between human players and AI-controlled opponents
  • Whether you are a seasoned gamer or just starting out, MotoGP24 knows how to make your experience exciting. Let the Adaptive Difficulty system adjust the level of AI opponents depending on your performance during races and qualifying sessions
  • Real riders face tough decisions both on and off track. Manage your relationships with other MotoGP riders through the in-game social network
  • Your style doesn’t only show in the way you ride, it also shines through the look you choose for your rider. Unleash your creativity with our powerful graphic editors, allowing you to express your unique appearance as you conquer the track

What the Sprint is—and how its points work

The Sprint is a standalone Saturday race, not a qualifying heat for Sunday. MotoGP made it a regular part of Grand Prix weekends in 2023. The 2025 MotoGP guide describes the Sprint as approximately half the distance of the full race.

In the points system described by MotoGP’s 2025 guide, the Sprint awards points to the top nine. Sunday’s Grand Prix awards points through 15th place:

Rank #2
MXGP 2020: The Official Motocross Videogame (PS5)
  • You are the champion: challenge all the riders, bikes, and teams in the 2020 MXGP and MX2 categories. Build the Racer in you and become the champion you've always dreamed of being.
  • design your jumps: create the perfect track with the revolutionary new editor. Choose from different settings, take advantage of new elevations, and share your creations with the community.
  • the playground and way point mode: improve your riding in this training area, inspired by the suggestive Norwegian fjords, and explore the stunning scenery. Take competition to a new level with way point mode! Create your own route by placing checkpoints on the ground. Share your best time online to earn points to help you progress through the game!
  • online competitions: with new dedicated servers, the multiplayer experience goes up a level. A very reliable connection, Zero latency and very large bandwidth. No more excuses, new challenges are waiting!
  • extreme customisation: unleash your imagination and get the best results by customising bikes and riders with over 110 official brands. It
Finishing position Sprint points Grand Prix points
1st 12 25
2nd 9 20
3rd 7 16
4th 6 13
5th 5 11
6th 4 10
7th 3 9
8th 2 8
9th 1 7
10th — 6
11th — 5
12th — 4
13th — 3
14th — 2
15th — 1

The dash means that position receives no points in that race under these rules. The figures above are the points rules in MotoGP’s 2025 guide; consult MotoGP’s current championship information for any later rules changes.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What changes for MotoGP in 2027

MotoGP announced on 7 October 2026 that a different weekend format will begin in 2027. Under the announced format, Friday ends with a 15-minute Sprint qualifying session for all riders, setting Saturday’s Sprint grid. Saturday then has Grand Prix qualifying: all riders take part in Q1, and the top 12 advance to Grand Prix Q2. That qualifying sets Sunday’s Grand Prix grid. The two races therefore use different grids.

Rank #3
MotoGP21 (PS4)
  • Experience the complete 2021 Season with all main official classes, rosters and tracks. More than 120 official riders, 20 official circuits and new and improved features like the introduction of the long lap penalty rule. Relive the history and all the emotions of the motogptm with more than 40 historic riders and their iconic bikes!
  • your journey towards the Championship starts from the managerial career. Create the Crew of your dreams, choosing between official teams or a brand new one, and then select your personal staff, skilled professionals who will assist you during the Season. They will help you make essential choices like getting the best contract or understanding which area of the bike would be better to develop. Reach the motogptm or Moto2TM class and create and manage your very own junior team!
  • when you can control every aspect of your race, every decision counts! Keep tabs on the level of fuel to put in your tank, the brake temperature and the tire wear and make critical choices according to your riding style and the race conditions. Gear up for the most thrilling racing experience but don't get too carried away: if you'll fall you'll now have to get back on the bike as fast as possible! And every second counts.
  • whether is the way you ride or the way you look, style is key in MotoGP21. Stand out from the crowd and show off your unique style! Customize helmet, suit, stickers, racing number and livery with 5 incredible graphic Editors! And then go out there and impress everyone with your riding style too! But be careful, our revolutionary neural AI system based on machine learning is back with significant improvements, so get ready to discover New faces of a.N.N.A. In the most exciting offline races ever!

MotoGP’s announcement describes the Friday session this way: “Friday’s action then concludes with the new 15-minute Sprint qualifying for all riders that decides the starting positions for the Tissot Sprint on Saturday afternoon.” This is the announced 2027 system, not the 2026 format.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
MotoGP 24
MotoGP 24
$26.24
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
MotoGP 09/10 - Playstation 3
MotoGP 09/10 - Playstation 3
Accessible handling for players of all levels to create an enjoyable racing experience.
$23.50
Best Value
HTLNUZD 1/18 2023 GP#1 Alloy Motocross Racer for Bagnaia Champion Figure - Moto GP-Inspired Collectible Model, Adult Ideal Gift for Racing Enthusiasts
  • SIZAE : 12cmx4.2cmx6.6cm / 4.7inch x 1.7inch x 2.6inch
  • MATERIAL: Alloy Fuel Tank Rubber Rires, others are ABS environmentally friendly plastic,The tires can rotate left and right, and some parts materials are die-cast materials, High simulation interior
  • ABOUT PACKAGING: Full color Window Box, We use sturdy Thickened cartons and bubble pads are used to ensure product safety
  • LOOK HERE: This model is an adult static model car collectible, not a toy car and is not intended for children under 15 years of age
  • MEANINGFUL COLLECTIBLES: We wish you much enjoyment in the pursuit of your collecting dreams
Rank #4
MotoGP 09/10 - Playstation 3
  • Accessible handling for players of all levels to create an enjoyable racing experience.
  • Brand new exciting gameplay modes that deliver the ultimate GP racing experience, complete with 17 official circuits.
  • Ability to update the game with content and information from the 2010 championship as the season unfolds.
  • Compete against riders across the globe in online multiplayer mode. Two player split screen allows you to compete against your friends.
  • Select from 125cc, 250cc and 800cc championships 17 official circuits from the 2009 GP season.

A simple checklist for following a weekend

  1. On Friday, check who finishes in the top 10 in Practice and earns direct entry to Q2.
  2. On Saturday, follow Q1 to see which two riders advance, then watch Q2 for the top 12 grid positions.
  3. For 2026, use that qualifying order as the starting grid for both races. From 2027, look for separate Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying results.
  4. Track Sprint points and Grand Prix points separately when following the championship standings.
  5. Check the official schedule for the event’s local session times.

Beginner terms to know

  • Grand Prix: The term can refer to the whole event weekend; MotoGP also uses it to distinguish Sunday’s full-length premier-class race from the Sprint.
  • Sprint: The shorter Saturday premier-class race.
  • Qualifying: Sessions that determine starting grid positions.
  • Q1 and Q2: In the 2026 format, Q1 sends its two fastest riders into Q2, which determines the top 12 grid places.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.