MotoGP to introduce qualifying for sprint race

The 2024 MotoGP season will feature a modification to the race format, announced by the sport's organizers on Wednesday. A new qualifying session for the sprint race will be introduced, marking a distinct change from the current system. The sprint race, a feature since 2023, has traditionally been determined by the qualifying session for the pole position set during the Friday qualifying.

However, from next year, this sprint race will have its own specific qualifying session on Friday, followed by the sprint race on Saturday. The MotoGP pole position qualifying session will retain its traditional Saturday slot.

In addition to this new format, the sport is introducing new bikes and technical regulations for the upcoming season, according to a MotoGP statement. The distinct grids for the sprint and grand prix races at every round will create a new look for the weekend. This season's title race is becoming increasingly competitive, with Spaniard Jorge Martin leading defending champion Marc Marquez by just two points ahead of the next round of the championship in Indonesia.

There are six rounds remaining in the season, though the final decision on the Qatar race is uncertain due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.