Introduction to the MotoGP™ World Championship

Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the oldest and most prestigious motorcycle world championship in the world. Organised by Dorna Sports under FIM regulations, it has crowned world champions every year since 1949 — making 2026 the 78th season of competition. Today the championship is split into three classes — MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ — that together form a clear ladder from rising junior talent to the fastest riders on the planet.

The three classes

MotoGP™ — the premier class (1000cc four-stroke)

The pinnacle of motorcycle road racing. MotoGP bikes are one-off prototypes — not based on any road bike — producing over 290 hp and reaching speeds beyond 360 km/h. The premier class ran as 500cc two-strokes from 1949 and became the four-stroke "MotoGP" era in 2002 at 990cc. Capacity was cut to 800cc from 2007, before returning to 1000cc from 2012.

Moto2™ — the intermediate class (765cc three-cylinder)

The stepping stone to MotoGP. Moto2 replaced the 250cc two-stroke class in 2010, originally running a spec 600cc Honda four-cylinder engine before switching to today's 765cc three-cylinder Triumph engine in 2019. With a single spec engine for everyone, results come down to chassis, setup and rider talent rather than engine power.

Moto3™ — the entry class (250cc single-cylinder)

The junior class where the sport's youngest talents make their name. Lightweight 250cc single-cylinder four-strokes produce close, slipstreaming battles decided by tenths of a second. Moto3 replaced the 125cc two-stroke class in 2012.

Who runs the championship

Grand Prix racing has been organised by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) since 1949. Today the commercial rights are owned by Dorna Sports, while the FIM remains the sport's sanctioning body. Teams are represented by IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) and manufacturers by the MSMA (Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association). Together these four bodies form the Grand Prix Commission, which decides the rules — with Dorna holding the tie-breaking vote, and the MSMA able to enact or veto technical changes by a unanimous vote of its members.

Key milestones

• 1949 — The FIM organises the first Road Racing World Championship, with separate classes based on engine size plus a class for sidecars.
• 1950s–60s — Four-stroke engines dominate every class; two-strokes begin to take root in the smaller classes through the 1960s.
• 1969 — To cut costs, the FIM restricts all classes to six gears and most to two cylinders. Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha walk out, leaving MV Agusta as effectively the only works team until Yamaha (1973) and Suzuki (1974) return with two-strokes.
• 1979–1983 — Honda tries to revive the four-stroke with the NR500, but the project fails; by 1983 even Honda is winning with a two-stroke 500.
• mid-1970s–2001 — The premier class allows 500cc with up to four cylinders; in practice every competitive machine is a two-stroke.
• 2002 — The premier class is rebranded MotoGP; four-strokes up to 990cc are permitted and quickly dominate. By 2003 no two-strokes remain.
• 2007 — MotoGP engine capacity is reduced to 800cc.
• 2010 — The 250cc two-stroke class is replaced by Moto2 (600cc four-stroke).
• 2012 — MotoGP capacity returns to 1000cc; the 125cc class becomes Moto3 (250cc four-stroke).
• 2019 — Moto2 switches to the 765cc three-cylinder Triumph engine; MotoE debuts.

Who competes today

MotoGP™ manufacturers: Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM and Yamaha. Moto2™ chassis constructors: Kalex and Boscoscuro (all using the spec Triumph engine). Moto3™ manufacturers: KTM and Honda.

Tyre suppliers: Michelin is the sole MotoGP supplier through 2026, while Pirelli has supplied Moto2 and Moto3 since 2024.

The most successful riders in history

By all-class Grand Prix wins: Giacomo Agostini (122 wins, 15 titles), Valentino Rossi (115, 9), Marc Márquez (90+, active), Ángel Nieto (90, 13), Mike Hailwood (76, 9) and Jorge Lorenzo (68, 5).