Race Weekend Explained
The Full
Schedule
From the first roar of engines on Friday morning to the checkered flag on Sunday afternoon, here is your jargon-free guide to every session, lap, and point-scoring opportunity of a MotoGP weekend.
The Race Weekend
From the first engine roar on Friday to the podium celebrations on Sunday. Here is your simple guide to how a MotoGP weekend unfolds.
Friday: The Learning Phase
10:45
Free Practice 1
FOR
Track AcclimatizationMotoGP™
VideoPass
15:00
EssentialPractice Session
FOR
The Q2 DeciderMotoGP™
VideoPass
Saturday: The Need for Speed
10:50
EssentialQualifying 1 & 2
FOR
The Grid BattleMotoGP™
VideoPass
15:00
EssentialTissot Sprint
FOR
Full Gas DashMotoGP™
VideoPass
Sunday: The Day of Glory
14:00
EssentialThe Grand Prix
FOR
Championship GloryMotoGP™
VideoPass
11:00
Moto3 Race
FOR
The Future StarsMoto3™
VideoPass
The Knockout Format
Qualifying Explained
In MotoGP, your starting position is everything. Discover how the world's fastest riders fight through a two-stage knockout battle to secure Pole Position on the grid.
Friday Practice
The top 10 fastest riders from Friday's sessions earn a direct ticket to Q2, avoiding the high-pressure knockout of the first qualifying round.
Friday Practice
The top 10 fastest riders from Friday's sessions earn a direct ticket to Q2, avoiding the high-pressure knockout of the first qualifying round.
Qualifying 1 (Q1)
Riders outside the top 10 battle for 15 minutes. It is a frantic dash where everyone is pushing to the absolute limit of their tires.
Qualifying 1 (Q1)
Riders outside the top 10 battle for 15 minutes. It is a frantic dash where everyone is pushing to the absolute limit of their tires.
The Promotion
The two fastest riders from the Q1 session are 'promoted' to the final round, joining the elite group to fight for the top grid spots.
The Promotion
The two fastest riders from the Q1 session are 'promoted' to the final round, joining the elite group to fight for the top grid spots.
Qualifying 2 (Q2)
The final 12 riders compete in a 15-minute showdown. This session determines the first four rows of the starting grid for the race.
Qualifying 2 (Q2)
The final 12 riders compete in a 15-minute showdown. This session determines the first four rows of the starting grid for the race.
The Final Dash
With fresh soft tires and low fuel, riders go all-out for one 'perfect' lap. This is where track records are usually broken.
The Final Dash
With fresh soft tires and low fuel, riders go all-out for one 'perfect' lap. This is where track records are usually broken.
Pole Position
The fastest rider takes Pole Position, starting at the very front. This grid order applies to both the Saturday Sprint and Sunday Grand Prix.
Pole Position
The fastest rider takes Pole Position, starting at the very front. This grid order applies to both the Saturday Sprint and Sunday Grand Prix.
Ready to see it in action?
Now that you know how qualifying works, see how it fits into the full race weekend schedule.
Explore the Race Weekend