MotoGP Calendar: Schedules, Dates, TV Channels & Race times
If you’re a fan looking to keep up to date with the upcoming MotoGP Calendar, WheresTheMatch has you covered with MotoGP today, tomorrow and across the whole season! Find all the information for race times & dates, locations, as well as which UK broadcasters are showing each event.
MotoGP, short for "Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing," is the oldest motorsport World Championship, dating back to 1949 and governed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Over the decades, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, drawing millions of fans and hosting races in diverse locations worldwide. The championship showcases highly customised prototype motorcycles, purpose-built for racing and designed to push the boundaries of technology and engineering. These machines, unlike road bikes, are not commercially available and can reach speeds of over 350 km/h (218 mph). What makes MotoGP so appealing is its mix of adrenaline-pumping action, cutting-edge innovation, and the sheer skill and bravery of riders as they navigate tight turns and high-speed straights. The drama, rivalries, and unpredictable outcomes keep fans hooked, making it one of the most thrilling sports to watch.
Where to Watch MotoGP on TV in the UK
MotoGP fans in the UK can watch the races on TNT Sports or Discovery Plus. TNT Sports provides live coverage and commentary through its TV channels, offering a more traditional viewing experience. For those who prefer watching online, Discovery Plus allows access to MotoGP content on-demand, with various subscription plans and the flexibility to watch on mobile or other devices. Both platforms provide access to the full MotoGP season.
When Do MotoGP Races Take Place?
The MotoGP Calendar runs from March to November, featuring around 20 rounds across various countries, offering fans the thrill of races during different seasons and locations. Race weekends typically span Friday to Sunday, with Friday dedicated to practice sessions for riders to fine-tune their motorcycles, Saturday featuring more practice sessions followed by qualifying to determine pole position, and Sunday hosting the main race where points and rivalries come to life. The timing of races varies by host location and time zone, usually taking place on Sunday afternoons local time, which might mean morning, afternoon, or evening viewing for international fans. For instance, European races like Le Mans or Mugello often occur on Sunday afternoons Central European Time, while races in Asia or the Americas may require early morning or evening viewing for European audiences.
MotoGP Competition Format
A typical MotoGP weekend is structured into several stages that lead up to Sunday's main race:
Free Practice (FP1, FP2, FP3, FP4)
The weekend kicks off with free practice sessions on Friday and Saturday morning. These sessions give riders and teams a chance to familiarise themselves with the track, refine their setups, and test their bikes under varying conditions. Notably, the times from FP1 to FP3 determine the riders who advance directly to Qualifying 2 (Q2).
Qualifying
Qualifying is held on Saturday and determines the grid positions for Sunday’s race. It's split into two parts:
- Qualifying 1 (Q1): Riders who didn’t make the top ten in combined practice times compete for two spots to advance to Q2.
- Qualifying 2 (Q2): The top 10 riders from practice plus the two fastest from Q1 battle it out for pole position.
This format ensures exciting on-track action and adds a strategic dimension to the riders' performances.
Sprint Race
Introduced in 2023, MotoGP now includes a Sprint Race on Saturday afternoon at every Grand Prix event. This shorter race is approximately half the distance of the main race and offers half the points. The addition not only increases the stakes of the weekend but also delivers extra thrills for fans.
The Race
The main event takes place on Sunday. Points are awarded to the top 15 finishers, contributing to the riders', teams', and manufacturers' championship standings. Races generally last between 40 and 45 minutes, with riders pushing their limits across varying track configurations and weather conditions.
Where Can I View the MotoGP Calendar?
At WheresTheMatch, we show the full MotoGP Calendar covering events across various season destinations such as the British Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix, or German Grand Prix. View our MotoGP schedule above for information on all upcoming races.