How Much Do You Know About MotoGP?

Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing: The Premier Championship of Motorcycle Road Racing

• Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the premier class of motorcycle road racing events sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
• The FIM, established in 1949, coordinates rules and regulations for official World Championships.
• Grand Prix motorcycles are purpose-built racing machines that are unavailable for purchase by the general public and unable to be ridden legally on public roads.
• The current top division is known as MotoGP and is divided into four classes: MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, and MotoE. MotoE is the newest class and uses electric motorcycles.
• Giacomo Agostini is the most successful rider in Grand Prix history with 15 titles and 122 race wins.
• The MotoGP championship is owned by Dorna Sports, and teams are represented by the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) and manufacturers by the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association (MSMA).
• Traditional classes for different engine sizes have existed at some time, and the championship has gone through various rule changes, such as restrictions on engine size and number of cylinders.
• The flag-to-flag rule was introduced in 2005, allowing riders to pit and switch to wet-weather bikes in the event of rain.
• The starting grid is composed of approximately 20 riders, with positions decided by qualifying speed. Races last approximately 45 minutes.
• The most successful champion in Grand Prix history is Giacomo Agostini, and the most successful contemporary rider is Valentino Rossi.
• The championship consists of 21 Grands Prix, with key technical regulations for each class.
• The MotoGP class is not restricted to any specific engine configuration, but the number of cylinders determines the motorcycle's permitted minimum weight. Maximum displacement was limited to 1,000 cc starting in the 2012 season.Overview of MotoGP Classes, Powertrain Specifications, and Tyres

MotoGP Class

• Claiming rule team (CRT) status introduced in 2012 allowed independent teams to be competitive at a lower cost.
• From 2014, the CRT class was dropped in favor of an "Open Class" specification.
• From 2023, ride height – or holeshot – devices will be banned.

Moto2 Class

• Moto2 class was introduced in 2010 to replace the traditional 250 cc two-stroke class.
• Engines were supplied exclusively by Honda until 2019 when Triumph replaced Honda as the sole supplier of Moto2 engines.
• Carbon brake discs are banned, only steel brake discs are allowed.

Moto3 Class

• The 125 cc class was replaced in 2012 by the Moto3 class.
• This class is restricted to single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke engines with a maximum bore of 81 mm (3.2 inches).
• The minimum total weight for motorcycle and rider is 148 kg (326 lb).

MotoE Class

• The MotoE World Cup was introduced in 2019 and features all-electric motorcycles.
• The series uses a spec Energica Ego Corsa motorcycle, manufactured by Energica Motor Company.

Powertrain Specifications

• MotoGP bikes are powered by four-stroke engines with a displacement of up to 1000 cc.
• Moto2 class engines have a 765 cc displacement with three cylinders.
• Moto3 class engines are single-cylinder 250 cc four-stroke engines.

Weights

• The minimum total weight for MotoGP motorcycles and rider is 157 kg (346 lb).
• The minimum total weight for Moto2 motorcycles and rider is 215 kg (474 lb).
• The minimum total weight for Moto3 motorcycles and rider is 148 kg (326 lb).

Tyres

• Tyre selection is critical and is usually done by the individual rider based on bike 'feel'.
• Bridgestone was appointed as the 'spec' tyre supplier for 2009, 2010, and 2011.
• French tyre manufacturer Michelin became the official supplier for the 2016 season, marking their return to the series.