MotoGP teams are the ones who wanted new weekend format, says Carlos Ezpeleta

MotoGP deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta emphasises that the upcoming 2027 weekend format revisions reflect a proactive improvement initiative sparked by the teams themselves, signalling a distinct shift in executive culture within the championship.

The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) confirmed on Wednesday a major alteration to the MotoGP Grand Prix calendar. Insights from the Austrian Grand Prix reveal that the event schedule will be fundamentally transformed for the following season with the addition of a dedicated sprint qualifying stage.

Having introduced sprint races in 2023, the grids for sprint and principal battles had previously relied on a unified Saturday morning qualification session.

Starting in 2027, a standalone sprint qualifying session will be scheduled for Friday afternoons. This precedes two morning free sessions—a preliminary 45‑minute block (FP1) followed by a second 30‑minute block (FP2). The new sprint phase will comprise a full 15 minutes of competition against every rider on grid. Consequently, Friday gains an additional training window compared to the existing layout, while Saturday retains its present structure simply renamed; Sunday rounds will omit their usual warm‑up.

Although the story broke in Spielberg, commentators on the bikes have voiced healthy skepticism towards the new paradigm, citing heightened risks and diminished safety margins. On counterpoint, head of promotion MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group affirmative that the foundational idea originated from the drivers’ coalition, not the federation.

Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports Deputy CEO

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

According to Ezpeleta, the refreshed weekend arrangement satisfies manufacturer priorities identified ahead of the 2027 deployment, featuring new-generation 850 cc power units.

“A new corporate outlook is becoming prevalent. These leaders share unmistakable clarity regarding the required trajectory and display confidence in it,” added the executive.

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