MotoGP considers introducing a double qualifying format from 2027 to make race weekends more engaging
Executive summary: MotoGP officials, represented by Aprilia's CEO Rivola, announced they are evaluating a double qualifying format for the 2027 season, comprising separate qualifying sessions for the Sprint race and the main Grand Prix. The shift would modify the weekend schedule, affect team preparation, broadcasting slots, and sponsorship exposure, potentially reshaping the commercial dynamics of the sport.
Who is involved: Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola, MotoGP governing bodies (FIM and Dorna Sports), participating teams, and broadcasters.
Likely next: The proposal will be reviewed by the MotoGP Commission, with a decision expected before the 2027 calendar is finalised; if approved, details on session placement will be settled and possibly tested in selected events during 2026.
Sky Sport reports that Aprilia CEO Rivola advocates a double qualifying system, one session for the Sprint and another for the Grand Prix race, starting in 2027. The proposal is still under discussion, with details such as the placement of the sessions (Friday vs Saturday) unresolved. If adopted, the change would alter the current weekend structure that has featured a single qualifying session since 2019.
What's next — scenarios
Base: format approved with both quals on same day (40%)
Teams adjust to a single‑day qualifying block; broadcasters retain current slot allocation.
- FIM publishes provisional 2027 calendar showing two qualifying sessions listed for the same day
Upside: format approved with quals on separate days (30%)
Separate Friday and Saturday sessions increase on‑site attendance and prime‑time TV exposure.
- MotoGP issues official statement confirming qualifying sessions split across Friday and Saturday
Downside: status quo retained (30%)
Current single qualifying session remains; no changes to weekend format or associated revenue streams.
- MotoGP Commission votes against the double qualifying proposal
Timeline
- — Calendario MotoGP 2026, i Gran Premi e le gare del Mondiale (Sky Sport)
- — MotoGP verso doppia qualifica dal 2027: l'opinione di Rivola (Sky Sport)
- — MotoGP verso doppia qualifica dal 2027, Rivola: "Serve rendere weekend più interessante" (Sky Sport)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- MotoGP broadcast rights negotiations
- Team hospitality and sponsorship packages
- Circuit event scheduling and ticketing
Regulatory implications
- Requires approval from the FIM MotoGP Commission and amendment to the Sporting Regulations
Key entities
Sources
- MotoGP verso doppia qualifica dal 2027: l'opinione di Rivola — Sky Sport
- MotoGP verso doppia qualifica dal 2027, Rivola: "Serve rendere weekend più interessante" — Sky Sport
- Calendario MotoGP 2026, i Gran Premi e le gare del Mondiale — Sky Sport
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- MotoGP's proposed double‑qualifying format for 2027 aims to boost weekend appeal and could reshape broadcast value and sponsorship dynamics
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