Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing
With history going back to its first FIM organized event in 1949, Grand Prix motorcycle racing is an international series which has gathered a loyal following of fans who turn out in droves to watch driver and machine become as one as they compete for the checkered flag. As the main championship of motorcycle road racing, the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix is divided into three categories: 125cc, Moto2, and MotoGP.
Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing
With a history that goes back to its first Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) organized event in 1949, Grand Prix motorcycle racing has become an international racing series that has a loyal following. Grand Prix enthusiasts turn out in droves to watch the driver and machine become one, as they complete for the checkered flag. As the major championship of motorcycle road racing, the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix is divided into 3 categories, or a 125cc, Moto2, and MotoGP class event.
What sets the Grand Prix series apart from other motorcycle racing series events, such as the Superbike World Championship, are the types of bikes used. The bikes used in the Grand Prix are built specifically for racing, and therefore cannot be purchased at a motorcycle dealership, nor are they licensed to ride on public roads.
The MotoGP series is made up of 18 races, held in 14 countries, on 4 continents, with global television coverage, thereby ensuring fans the world over to share in the excitement of the series racing events. Currently, 7 nationalities represent riders who line the starting grid, with four manufacturers—Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki—providing the latest in motorcycle technology.
Moto GP
Now in its 62nd year, MotoGP is a major premier motorcycle racing world championship as well as the longest running in the racing series. Under the supervision of FIM, the series has been managed by Dorna Sports since 1992.
Considered the ultimate test for motorcycle racing’s finest talents, Moto GP allows a maximum engine capacity of 800cc (4-stroke engines) and the motorcycle must be a prototype. The minimum age for riders competing in this category is 18 years of age. Fiat Yamaha rider, Valentino Rossi Valentino Rossi, is a MotoGP champion. He received his seventh premier class title in 2009.
The 125cc Class
The 125cc category is the stepping stone into the exciting sport of Grand Prix racing. The minimum age for riders is 15 years old, with the maximum age set at 28 years old. The exception, in this case, are the wild-card riders, or riders who are newly contracted and competing in a 125cc event for the first time. These riders must be at least 25-years-old. The maximum engine displacement in this class is a 125cc single-cylinder unit.
The 250cc Class and Moto
As announced in December 2008, and from 2010, the 250cc category has been replaced by Moto2 – a 4-stroke class aimed at being a cost-effective, yet prestigious, category to accompany the start of the show, the popular MotoGP.
With over 2. 2 million people attending races in 2009, race fans, no doubt, appreciate the efforts placed in each of the 18 Grand Prix motorcycle racing events, all which feature contests in each of the abovementioned 3 categories.
What Grand Prix Racing Drivers Need to Excel
Not only are fans mesmerized by the sport of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, so are the potential riders. But what does it take to excel in this fast and exciting racing series? The following information will give you more info about what it takes to take on this fast-moving and technically demanding activity.
So, what are the main attributes young Grand Prix motorcycle racing competitors must have?
First and foremost, you need to exhibit speed on the track. Once you show that you are fast on the track, you need to assess your technical skills. Do you really understand what you are doing when you are handling a motorcycle?
Not only do you have to possess talent and speed, you have to have the right attitude. In fact, attitude is one of the most important attributes a rider can possess. Not only must the rider possess a positive and focused demeanor, he or she must be surrounded by family and friends with a similar attitude.
Getting the Necessary Riding Experience
For young Grand Prix motorcycle racing entrants that are just beginning, they need to practice and get involved in various venues of the sport. For example, as a young rider, you need to have more than a background of racing on asphalt. You should also have an exemplary background when it comes to motocross or supermoto riding. It also helps to ride on gravel frequently. These types of of experiences can take you far as a young and dynamic racer.
Moreover, it’s not just the venues, you also have to have experience with various bikes. Besides motorcycles, you should have experience riding BMX bikes, mountain bikes, downhill cycles, and other varieties of bikes. If your background is sports-driven, your body will also be ready. Getting involved in lots of motor or biking sports activities enables Grand Prix motorcycle racing contestants to learn what it means to work at the activity.
The Best Route to Take to the Moto GP
One of the best ways to establish yourself in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing competitions is to begin by entering the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. This is a great way for young, beginning riders to get involved in motorcycle racing who have limited economic resources.
If you can show you have talent and are chosen for the Rookies Cup, you don’t have to ask friends and family to invest so much of their time and money in your racing career. Another competition in which to set your sights is the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship. Both this content and the Rookies Cup are great places to begin.
Whether you are a parent with a teen who wants to ride in Grand Prix motorcycle racing events or are a teen who wishes to partake in the activity, you must remember one thing. Riders love to ride and want to make a commitment to racing. If you have this type of drive or your son or daughter loves this type of activity, Grand Prix motorcycle racing is, indeed, one of the highest goals that can be realized in the world of motosports activities.