: The 12 remaining riders compete for Pole Position (1st place) and the first four rows (positions 1–12).
: To qualify for a race, a rider must set a lap time within 105% of the fastest lap in any practice or qualifying session. Grid Placement : MotoGP Main Race | MotoGP Qualifying
: Riders who finish 3rd or lower in Q1 take their positions from 13th place backward based on their best lap times. MotoGP Races: Sprint vs. Main Race MotoGP Qualifying Explained - updated for the 2026 season : The 12 remaining riders compete for Pole
Qualifying is split into two 15-minute sessions, and Q2 , used to establish the grid for the entire weekend. Entry Requirements : MotoGP Races: Sprint vs
The MotoGP weekend format determines the starting grid through two distinct qualifying sessions, which then sets the field for both the short Saturday Sprint and the full-length Sunday Main Race.