Tissot Sprint
2023 marked a new era for the MotoGP™ World Championship . For the first time in history , a Grand Prix weekend featured not just Sunday ’ s main race but also a Sprint , held on Saturday and covering roughly half the race distance . This popular new format will continue throughout 2024 !
For those new to MotoGP™ , you may wonder how the Sprint works . Qualifying determines the grid positions , and then the riders line up for the start . The Sprint lasts about half the time of Sunday ’ s race , though the exact duration varies from Grand Prix to Grand Prix .
Championship points are awarded differently for the Sprint too , with 12 points for the winner , decreasing to one point for the ninth-place finisher . With the shortened distance , the action is intense from the start , as riders push to gain every possible advantage . The Sprint starts at 15:00 local time .
A unique podium ceremony also takes place , located in a different area of the circuit to bring fans closer to the action and stars of the show . It ’ s important to note that victories and podiums in the Sprint don ’ t count towards a rider ’ s Grand Prix total ; instead , a new category has been created in the history books to keep these accolades separate . Nonetheless , standing on the podium is always a joyous occasion , though celebrations are brief with the weekend ’ s main event still to come .
“ The Sprint provides fantastic entertainment , guaranteeing drama-packed racing .”
The MotoGP™ Sprint offers fans the thrill of two competitive races in one weekend . As seen throughout 2023 , the Sprint provides fantastic entertainment , guaranteeing drama-packed racing . The outings in Portugal , Argentina , Qatar , and Valencia were hailed as classic races , comparable to the best action across any class !
Jorge Martin emerged as last year ’ s King of the Sprint , securing nine victories on Saturdays , while Pecco Bagnaia claimed four Sprint wins . Alex Marquez and Brad Binder each scored two , and Marco Bezzecchi and Aleix Espargaro each notched a single Sprint victory .
PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia | 15