Moto2 and Moto3 adopt MotoGP qualifying format for 2019 season

Since 2013, the premier class has divided qualifying into two separate sessions - Q1 and Q2 - and used practice times to determine which rider takes part in each group.

The fastest 10 riders on combined times across practice sessions one to three earn a direct entry into the Q2 shootout, which determines the top 12 spots on the grid, and are joined by the two fastest riders from Q1.

The Moto2 and Moto3 support classes have continued to stick to the traditional format of a single session to determine the whole grid, 45 minutes in Moto2 and 40 minutes in Moto3.

That will change for next season, with qualifying in both the minor classes to be divided into two 15-minute sessions.

Because of the larger grids in the lower series, the top 14 riders from practice will advance directly to Q2 with four slots available for the fastest riders in Q1 to progress to an 18-rider pole shootout.

The four riders who participate in both sessions will be granted an extra soft rear tyre to use.