Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Event Weekend Format
The standard MotoGP Grand Prix weekend format (introduced in its current form from 2023) comprises the following official sessions (Article 20 of the Sporting Regulations):
Friday
- Practice (P): 45 minutes. Free practice for all MotoGP riders. The combined results of Practice and Q1 determine grid positions for Q1. The fastest 10 riders in Practice advance directly to Q2.
Saturday
- Qualifying 1 (Q1): 15 minutes. The 12 riders not in the top 10 from Practice compete. The fastest 2 riders in Q1 advance to Q2.
- Qualifying 2 (Q2): 15 minutes. 12 riders (top 10 from Practice + 2 from Q1) compete for the top 12 grid positions for both the Sprint Race and the Sunday race. Starting positions 13–24 on the Sunday grid are determined by Q1 results.
- Sprint Race: Half-distance race (half the laps of Sunday's race, rounded up). Qualifying points only; separate championship points allocation applies (see Section 6). Grid order is based on Q2/Q1 results.
Sunday
- Warm-Up (WUP): 10 minutes. Open practice for all riders; no championship significance. The only Sunday morning session.
- Main Race: Full-distance Grand Prix race. Grid based on Q2/Q1 qualifying results.
5.2 Starting Procedure
The starting procedure for both the Sprint Race and the main race is as follows (Article 21):
- Riders form up on the starting grid in qualifying order.
- A one-minute board is shown; teams must clear the grid by the 30-second board.
- Five red lights illuminate sequentially. When all five are lit, there is a variable delay (between 0.2 and 3 seconds, random).
- All five red lights are extinguished simultaneously — this is the start signal.
- If a rider has a problem on the grid before the lights-out start, they must raise their arm. They will be allowed to start from the pit lane at the back of the field.
- A jump start (movement of the motorcycle before lights-out, detected by sensors embedded in the grid) results in a Long Lap Penalty to be served during the race.
5.3 Race Conditions — Wet Weather
- Race Direction may declare conditions "Wet" before or during a race, permitting riders to use wet-weather tyres.
- If conditions change during a race, Race Direction may deploy the Safety Car while riders pit to change tyres, or may suspend and restart the race.
- In a declared wet race, riders are free to change tyres and/or motorcycles at any time during the race from the pit lane. Only one pit stop is permitted per race unless Race Direction declares otherwise.
- A race that is stopped by red flag and cannot be restarted: if more than 2 laps (for a race of ≥5 laps) have been completed, results are taken from the last fully completed lap before the red flag. Points are awarded at 50% value if the race is stopped before 50% of the scheduled distance is completed (Article 22.3).
5.4 Flag Signals
The following flag signals are in use at all FIM Grand Prix events (Article 16):
- Chequered flag: End of session or race.
- Red flag: Session or race stopped immediately. All riders must slow down and return to the pit lane or designated stopping area.
- Yellow flag (single): Danger ahead; no overtaking in the affected marshal post sector. Reduce speed.
- Yellow flag (double waved): Great danger; be prepared to stop. No overtaking. Riders may be required to slow significantly.
- Green flag: All clear; end of hazard zone or race start signal from the pit lane exit.
- Blue flag: A faster approaching rider is about to lap; the rider being shown this flag must allow the leader to pass.
- Black flag with number board: Rider with the displayed number is disqualified and must immediately enter the pit lane and retire (Article 16.6).
- Black and white flag (diagonal halves) with number board: First and only warning to the rider for unsportsmanlike behaviour. A second infringement may result in a black flag.
- White flag: A slow-moving vehicle is on track (e.g., medical vehicle, marshal vehicle).
- Orange disc flag (meatball flag) with number board: Mechanical problem detected on the rider's motorcycle; rider must return to pit lane immediately.
5.5 Overtaking & Track Limits
Riders must keep at least one wheel within the track limits (defined by the white lines at the edge of the asphalt, or the kerb edge where applicable) when making or defending a pass. Track limit violations are monitored by Race Direction using timing sensors and video review. Repeated track limit infringements result in warnings and ultimately a Long Lap Penalty (see Section 7). Overtaking under yellow flag conditions is prohibited and results in a mandatory penalty.