MOTOGP WEIGHS A THREE-ROUND QUALIFYING FORMAT

Since Liberty Media took over MotoGP in 2025, it has explored several ideas borrowed from Formula 1 to grow the sport’s audience and revenue. Proposals including a Drive to Survive-style documentary, a joint MotoGP-F1 weekend and a cost cap have drawn scepticism, particularly from manufacturers concerned about expense and logistics. Plans to move races to street circuits have also faced criticism over safety and cost; Adelaide is due to replace Phillip Island as host of the Australian Grand Prix from 2027.

A different F1-inspired proposal could prove more appealing: changing MotoGP qualifying so that riders have separate sessions to set the grids for Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix. At present, one qualifying session determines the starting order for both races. The idea, reported as a paddock rumour by The Race journalist Val Khorounzhiy, would instead introduce an F1-style Q1, Q2 and Q3 progression to decide pole position.

The format could make qualifying more compelling by adding elimination pressure and giving fans more chances to see riders push for a fast lap. It would also offer a second opportunity to improve a grid position: a rider who struggles in qualifying for one race could still make progress for the other. The proposal’s supporters see that added urgency as a potential boost to MotoGP’s appeal.

There are risks. More high-pressure laps could mean more crashes, potentially damaging a rider’s weekend. And an elimination system could be especially punishing for those who already struggle to qualify. The source’s analysis of 2026 results suggests Pecco Bagnaia would have been eliminated from Q2 six times under the proposed system. Toprak Razgatlioglu would have missed Q3 at Goiania and Silverstone, while his other results would have left him out in Q1.

The proposal is not confirmed, and the source notes that previous Liberty Media ideas have met resistance. Still, unlike some of the company’s other F1-inspired plans, a revised qualifying format is presented as a change that could add tension and spectacle without altering the races themselves.