MotoGP will move away from the one-hour qualifying format for 2013, instead switching to a variation of the ‘knockout’ system used in Formula One, WTCC and World Superbikes.
The three 45-minute practice sessions will remain unchanged although the outcome of them will now have a direct impact on qualifying. The top ten riders in the combined practice times will advance to ‘Qualifying Practice 2’ while every other rider will take part in ‘Qualifying Practice 1’, a fifteen minute session.
The two fastest riders in QP1 will go through to QP2 with the others filling grid positions 13-onwards. After a ten minute break, the final twelve riders will then compete for pole position in QP2, another fifteen minute session. This format will only apply to the MotoGP class with Moto2 and Moto3 remaining unchanged.
| 2013 MotoGP Weekend Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Friday | ||
| Free Practice 1 | 45 mins | Timed For Qualifying Practice Participation |
| Free Practice 2 | 45 mins | Timed For Qualifying Practice Participation |
| Saturday (Morning) | ||
| Free Practice 3 | 45 mins | Timed For Qualifying Practice Participation |
| Saturday (Afternoon) | ||
| Free Practice 4 | 30 mins | Not Timed For Qualifying Practice Participation |
| Qualifying Practice 1 | 15 mins | Ten Minute Break Will Follow |
| Qualifying Practice 2 | 15 mins | Top Ten From Practice + Top Two From QP1 |
