Source: Supplied.

The 2016 MXGP World Championship will award points during Saturday’s premier class and MX2 qualifying heat races, an announcement from the FIM has confirmed.

Previously the heat races have been used to determine Sunday’s gate picks, however as of next season riders finishing inside the top five will be rewarded with points that go toward the round’s overall results and championships.

Similar to Australia’s MX Nationals Superpole qualifying concept, the pole-setter will receive an additional five points, second four points, third three points, fourth two points and fifth one point. Riders outside the top five won’t gain the ‘bonus’ points.