{
  "id": 12647254,
  "title": "MotoGP to introduce qualifying for sprint race",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/motogp-to-introduce-qualifying-for-sprint-race-12647254",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T14:18:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/07/motogp-to-introduce-qualifying-for-sprint-race"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Next season’s MotoGP campaign will introduce a new format, featuring separate qualifying sessions and distinct grids for the sprint and Grand Prix races, according to organisers. The grid for the sprint race, which has been determined by the qualifying session for pole since its inception in 2023, will now have its own specific qualifying session on Friday, with the sprint race taking place on Saturday. The MotoGP pole position qualifying session will retain its Saturday slot. Alongside new bikes and technical regulations, the sport will present a revamped weekend layout, with a qualifying session for the MotoGP Sprint creating separate grids for both the Sprint and Grand Prix races at each round. As of this season, title contender Jorge Martin leads defending champion Marc Marquez by just two points ahead of the upcoming Indonesia round, with six races remaining, pending a final decision on the Qatar event due to ongoing uncertainty caused by the Middle East war.",
  "summary": "Since its introduction in 2023, the grid for the sprint race has been decided by the qualifying session for pole.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "MotoGP to introduce qualifying for sprint race",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/motogp-to-introduce-qualifying-for-sprint-race",
        "published": "2026-10-07T14:18:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "MotoGP to introduce qualifying for sprint race",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/motogp-to-introduce-qualifying-for-sprint-race-12646995",
        "published": "2026-10-07T14:54:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}