About MotoGP

RACE WEEKENDS

On a Grand Prix weekend there is a race in each of MotoGP’s three categories:

• 125cc – Is the first step for young riders into world championship competition. Maximum engine displacement is 125cc (single-cylinder units). The maximum age for riders is 28 years (25 for wild-card riders or those newly contracted and competing in a 125cc GP for the first time) and the minimum age is 15 years.
• Moto2 – This new 4-stroke class was announced in December 2008 and replaces the 250cc category from 2010. Moto2 is aimed as being a prestigious yet cost-effective accompaniment to the premier class of MotoGP. Honda is the sole engine supplier, and Dunlop provide the tyres. The bikes are powered by a 600cc 4-stroke engine, producing around 140hp, and the Moto2 class will continue the 250cc series’ pursuit of developmental excellence with the running of a prototype chassis which is free from limitation. The design and construction of the chassis is free within the constraints of the FIM Grand Prix Technical Regulations. The main frame, swingarm, fuel tank, seat and fairing/bodywork from a non-prototype (ie. series production road-homologated) motorcycle may not be used. The minimum age for riders is 16.
• MotoGP – The ultimate test for the finest talents in motorcycle racing, in which the maximum engine capacity is the aforementioned 800cc (4-stroke engines) and the minimum age for riders is 18. Motorcycles competing in the MotoGP class must be prototypes.

At selected events the race timetable is augmented further by the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup – an initiative designed to unearth future MotoGP stars from across the world.

A Grand Prix event takes place over three days, with the first two of those for practice and qualification for each class. The third day is race-day. There are free practice sessions on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, then in the afternoon on Saturday a single qualification practice determines grid order for Sunday's race, with the fastest riders taking the front slots. In MotoGP the three fastest riders take positions on the first row of the grid, with the rest lining up in rows of three behind. In 125cc and Moto2 it is four riders per row.

After warm-up sessions for each category on race-day, traditionally the 125cc contest begins the programme, with the Moto2 class following and then finally the blue riband MotoGP event. This can be subject to change however. Races vary in length between 95-130km and normally last between 40-45 minutes, conforming to a set number of laps which differs at each track. Pit-stops are rare but permitted, and are especially applicable in changeable weather conditions when riders can enter the pit-lane and switch machines to one fitted with different spec tyres (only MotoGP).