Format change introduced for MotoGP

In response to rider concerns over safety, the FIM have made a minor format change to the race weekend for the MotoGP class. Effective from the British Grand Prix in August, the change applies to all rounds for the remainder of the 2023 season, including the Australian GP this 20-22 October.

Previously, both the ‘Practice 1’ and ‘Practice 2’ sessions on Friday counted toward qualifying, with the ten fastest times automatically gaining entry to second Qualifying (Q2) on Saturday morning. The remaining riders had to go through first Qualifying (Q1), with the fastest two from Q1 graduating to Q2.

Riders had been critical of the first Friday session counting towards Q2 entry, as the ‘green’ track on the opening day would not have as much rubber down and therefore not be as stable for setting fast lap times as later sessions.

Now, the first Friday practice session is not timed, becoming a genuine ‘Free Practice’ session, as in previous years. It’s reported that Ducati initially resisted this format change, despite their riders being in favour of it, but they came on board ahead of the British GP.

The change means that the race weekend for the MotoGP class will now start with a 45-minute Free Practice session on Friday morning that’s untimed and will not contribute towards Qualifying. A timed 60-minutre Practice on Friday afternoon will see the ten fastest riders from that session automatically go to Q2, with the remainder to Q1.

On Saturday morning, a 30-minute Free Practice session will be followed by the 15-minute Q1, then 15-minute Q2 sessions. Q1 and Q2 times will set the grid for both the Saturday afternoon Tissot Sprint and Sunday’s full-length feature race.

A 10-minute Sunday warm-up session for MotoGP remains, but has no impact on the grid for Sunday’s race.

Ahead of the MotoGP Guru by Gryfyn Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island this 20-22 October, Island Pass (General Admission) tickets were still available, but The Clubhouse and most VIP Hospitality options had sold out. Several grandstand seating options were also close to selling out at time of writing. To check availability and purchase tickets, go to: motogp.com.au