In this guide
Q1 is a route into Q2The same qualifying process serves two racesPoints differ between Sprint and Grand PrixKeep the class and session in the titleMotoGP is the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. A standard weekend combines practice, two qualifying sessions, a Saturday Sprint and the Sunday Grand Prix. The premier-class format should not automatically be assigned to Moto2 or Moto3.
The Friday session called Practice has a specific qualifying consequence. Its fastest ten riders go directly into Q2, while the remaining riders must use Q1 to compete for two further Q2 places.
Q1 is a route into Q2
The fastest two riders in Q1 join the ten direct qualifiers. Q2 then determines the leading twelve grid positions, including pole. Third in Q1 is therefore not third on the overall grid: that rider begins from 13th under the normal qualifying sequence.
A rider outside the direct Practice places can still take pole by advancing from Q1 and then topping Q2. Conversely, a direct Q2 place guarantees entry to that session, not a front-row starting position. The two sessions are qualifying gateways rather than consolation and championship races.
The same qualifying process serves two races
Saturday’s qualifying sets the grids for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix. The Sprint result does not set Sunday’s starting order. This differs from the two independent qualifying contests used on a Formula 1 Sprint weekend.
Points differ between Sprint and Grand Prix
A Sprint win earns 12 points and a Grand Prix win 25. The Sprint scores down to ninth, while the Grand Prix scores down to 15th. Winning both supplies 37 points under the standard scoring system.
| Result | Sprint points | Grand Prix points |
|---|---|---|
| First | 12 | 25 |
| Second | 9 | 20 |
| Third | 7 | 16 |
Keep the class and session in the title
MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 can appear in one event’s programme guide. A session name without its class may point to the wrong grid or race. Preserve premier-class Sprint, Q1 or Q2 where supplied. A Friday Practice highlights programme contains a qualification battle, while a Sunday race recording contains the main finishing order.