MotoGP

MotoGP is the premier class of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix, the oldest established motorsport world championship, dating back to 1949. Sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the championship's commercial rights are owned by Dorna Sports, though since 2025 Liberty Media has organized it via its subsidiary MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group. The season typically runs from early spring to late autumn, with the 2026 calendar featuring a record 22 Grands Prix across five continents.

Each race weekend runs Friday through Sunday, with a Sprint race added on Saturday afternoons in 2023. The Sunday Grand Prix lasts 40 to 45 minutes over 100–130 km, with points awarded to the top 15 finishers. Knockout qualifying was introduced in 2013. Support classes include Moto2, Moto3, and the electric MotoE class. Historically, classes like 50cc, 80cc, 350cc, and sidecars have been phased out.

MotoGP machines are purpose-built prototypes, reaching speeds up to 350 kph. The sport is defined by daring cornering angles, intense manufacturer rivalries among Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Aprilia, and KTM, and legendary champions like Giacomo Agostini, Valentino Rossi, and Marc Márquez. [edit]

The FIM Grand Prix World Championship began in 1949 with six races, including the Isle of Man TT. The premier class started at 500 cc. Giacomo Agostini dominated the 1960s and 1970s, winning 15 world titles and 122 races. In 1976, riders boycotted the Isle of Man TT due to safety concerns, leading to its removal from the calendar. The British Grand Prix moved to Silverstone that same year.

Kenny Roberts became the first American to win the 500 cc title in 1978, ushering in an era of US dominance. The class was rebranded as MotoGP in 2002 with the introduction of four-stroke engines. Engine capacity increased to 1,000 cc in 2012. Knockout qualifying debuted in 2013, and Sprint races were added in 2023. In 2010, Spain hosted four Grands Prix in a single year for the first time.

The commercial rights shifted from the FIM to Dorna Sports in the 1990s. In 2025, Liberty Media took over via MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group. The Grand Prix Commission, consisting of the FIM, Dorna, IRTA, and MSMA, governs rule changes. [edit]

MotoGP has defined motorcycle road racing globally, inspiring generations of riders and fans. The sport's blend of speed, technology, and daring has made it a fixture in motorsport culture. Valentino Rossi's charisma and success brought unprecedented mainstream attention, while Marc Márquez's dominance in the 2010s kept the sport in headlines. MotoGP's influence extends to video games, merchandise, and a dedicated fan community that follows the championship across continents. [edit]

The death of Marco Simoncelli at Sepang in 2011 sparked safety debates. Suzuki withdrew from MotoGP at the end of 2011, citing economic reasons. The 2012 introduction of claiming rule teams and the 2014 shift to an Open Class category were controversial regulatory changes. The cancellation of the 2023 Valencia Grand Prix due to flooding also drew criticism over contingency planning. [edit]