Marc Márquez, Ducati rider, during a recent Grand Prix
/ AFP7 via Europa Press / AFP7 via Europa Press
Alguer Tulleuda Bonifacio
Barcelona
09 MAY 2026 14:42
Updated 09 MAY 2026 14:42
The 2026 French Grand Prix of MotoGP is entering its decisive phase. After the first practice sessions held this Friday at the Le Mans circuit, the action resumes on Saturday with qualifying and the Sprint race, which will award the first points of the weekend.
There is no room for uncertainty as the French Grand Prix unfolds. The early sessions at Le Mans allowed riders to get a feel for the track, but the real moment of truth arrives on Saturday with the second free practice session, leading into qualifying where Aprilia once again appears as the favorite. Marco Bezzecchi arrives as the championship leader, 11 points ahead of Jorge Martín, though his teammate could snatch the top spot this weekend on French soil.
Marc Márquez during the Sprint race at the Spanish Grand Prix
/ José Manuel Vidal / EFE
Once the starting grid for the French Grand Prix is set, the Sprint race will take place—the first event of the weekend to distribute points. The previous Sprint race in Jerez ended with a dramatic victory for Marc Márquez, giving Ducati an exciting double that was later dampened on Sunday when Márquez crashed early in the main race.
The nine-time world champion now trails Marco Bezzecchi by 44 points, yet no one is counting out the Catalan rider from the championship fight, which would be his tenth world title. The moment of truth has arrived at the French Grand Prix, where any mistake could trigger a major shake-up in the 2026 MotoGP standings.
Schedule for Qualifying and Sprint at the 2026 French Grand Prix
Saturday, May 9:
– Moto3 | FP2: 08:40
– Moto2 | FP2: 09:25
– MotoGP | FP2: 10:10
– MotoGP | Q1: 10:50
– MotoGP | Q2: 11:15
– Moto3 | Q1: 12:45
– Moto3 | Q2: 13:10
– Moto2 | Q1: 13:40
– Moto2 | Q2: 14:05
– MotoGP | Sprint (13 laps): 15:00
How to Watch the 2026 French Grand Prix Live on TV
In Spain, the French Grand Prix and all MotoGP races and practice sessions this season can be watched live on television and online via DAZN, as well as on Movistar Plus. In Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, coverage is available through ESPN; in the United States, it will be broadcast by NBC Sports and CNBC. Another option is the paid VideoPass service offered directly by MotoGP.
For all the latest updates from the MotoGP World Championship—including live race coverage, practice sessions, qualifying, race reports, and reactions from the riders—stay tuned to our dedicated live coverage.
