Doha, Qatar: MotoGP stands as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, representing the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Governed by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), it is recognized as the oldest motorsports World Championship globally, established in 1949, making it older than Formula 1.
Championship Structure
The 2025 MotoGP season features 22 rounds across different countries, making it the largest calendar in the championship's history. The season begins in Thailand and concludes in Spain, with Qatar hosting the fourth round from April 11-13, 2025.
Racing Classes
The championship is divided into four distinct classes: MotoGP, the premier class using 1,000cc engines (switching to 850cc in 2027); Moto2, using 765cc Triumph-supplied engines; Moto3, using 250cc engines; and MotoE, featuring electric motorcycles supplied by Ducati (appearing at select events).
Weekend Format
A typical race weekend spans three days with Friday dedicated to practice sessions across all classes. Saturday brings additional practice, qualifying sessions, and the MotoGP Sprint Race, while Sunday delivers warm-up sessions followed by the main races for all classes.
Points System
Championship points are awarded based on finishing positions. For Sunday main races, points are distributed to the top 15 finishers as follows: 25 for 1st, 20 for 2nd, 16 for 3rd, 13 for 4th, 11 for 5th, and continuing to decrease to 1 point for 15th. Sprint race points are awarded to the top 9 finishers: 12 for 1st, 9 for 2nd, 7 for 3rd, 6 for 4th, 5 for 5th, decreasing to 1 point for 9th position.
Championships
Three championships run concurrently each season:
- Riders' Championship: This is based on the individual points accumulated by each rider throughout the season across all races (both Sunday main races and Saturday sprint races).
- Constructors' Championship: This is determined by taking only the highest-placing rider from each manufacturer in each race. This means that even if a manufacturer has multiple riders, only the points from their best-performing rider in each event count toward this championship.
- Teams' Championship: This is calculated by combining the points of both riders from the same team. Each team typically has two riders, and their combined points determine the team's position in this championship.
Team Structure
The 2025 MotoGP season features a total of 11 teams, each fielding two riders, bringing the overall number of riders to 22.
The teams are categorized as either:
- Factory Teams: Owned by manufacturers, using the most current bikes with best support such as Ducati Lenovo Team, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Aprilia Racing, and Honda HRC.
- Satellite/Independent Teams: Privately owned, typically using older machinery with less factory support including Gresini Racing MotoGP (Ducati), Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team (Ducati), Trackhouse MotoGP Team (Aprilia), Prima Pramac Yamaha, Castrol Honda LCR, and Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Race Control and Penalties
Officials communicate with riders primarily through flag signals, including yellow flags for danger, red flags to stop races, blue flags instructing slower riders to yield, and white flags indicating wet conditions. The main penalty in modern MotoGP is the long lap penalty, where riders must take a designated longer route costing them time. These are typically issued for track limit violations, with warnings after three infractions and penalties after five. Ride-through penalties (passing through pit lane at 60km/h) and time penalties are also used for various infractions when appropriate.
Race Distances
Race distances vary by class with MotoGP covering 110-120 km (21 laps at Qatar), Moto2 spanning 90-100km (18 laps),and Moto3 running 80-90 km (16 laps).
For first-time spectators, understanding these basics will enhance appreciation of the high-speed competition and strategic elements that make MotoGP the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport.
