What are the MotoGP™ Rules? – A complete overview

The key rules which apply in MotoGP™ have evolved over decades to ensure safe and fair racing for the riders, open competition for the teams and factories, and great entertainment for fans as they enjoy watching the World Championship. The MotoGP™ rules are formally referred to as the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations.

The sporting and technical rules of Grand Prix racing set out how the riders must conduct themselves and define what the manufacturers and teams must do in order to participate in the championship. The prototype machines in MotoGP are built to millimetre precision to maximise what each factory can achieve within the regulations.

The MotoGP™ rules also state how the points scoring system works and how the schedule runs during a Grand Prix weekend. 

The enforcement of the MotoGP™ regulations is ultimately overseen by the sport’s governing body, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme).

They are defined and updated by the Grand Prix Commission, comprising members of the FIM, Dorna Sports (organiser and rights holder of MotoGP™), IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) and the MSMA (Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association).

MotoGP™ bike regulations and rider conduct rules

The MotoGP™ bike rules in the premier class require that the riders compete on prototype motorcycles with a maximum displacement of 1000cm3. The bikes must have a minimum weight of 157kg, with a total allocation of seven engines per season. 

Under the MotoGP™ concessions system, which ensures the closer racing in the World Championship, the competing manufacturers can be allowed a greater engine allocation per season (9-10 engines), depending on where they rank in terms of previous Constructor points. 

Bikes are not permitted to carry more than 22 litres of fuel in a full MotoGP™ Grand Prix race and each rider has a limited tyre allocation per event.

MotoGP™ rules on tyre specifications

Only tyres from the Official appointed tyre supplier for each class can be used at Grands Prix and official tests. In the premier class in MotoGP™ the official tyre supplier is Michelin, whilst in Moto2™ and Moto3™ it is Pirelli.

At each Grand Prix, in the MotoGP™ class two tyre specifications are available from the tyre supplier - of softer and harder compounds, balancing grip versus durability. Identical tyres of each specification must be available to every rider and the total quantity of tyres must be the same for every rider.

Teams must comply with requests by the Technical Director and the official tyre supplier to check tyre parameters at any time, which may include tyre pressure and temperature data.

The tyre allocations for each MotoGP™ rider at a Grand Prix are:

•       22 slick tyres: 10 front slick tyres and 12 rear slick tyres:
•       Riders who participate in both Q1 and Q2 qualifying sessions are given one extra front tyre and one extra rear slick tyre.
•       13 rain tyres: 6 front rain tyres and 7 rear rain tyres

Riders typically put on fresh, softer tyres when they are aiming for a fast lap in practice and qualifying, whilst in the race they must decide which tyre specification will suit their riding style and tactics best over the course of the race. 

In damp, mixed or wet-drying conditions the MotoGP™ championship riders must decide whether to use slicks or rain tyres, which is always a gamble as rain tyres provide more stability in the wet, but slicks allow the rider to lap much quicker.

MotoGP™ concession system rules

A concession system dictated by the Grand Prix Commission also applies to the manufacturers participating in MotoGP™, depending on the amounts of Constructors points the factories have accrued during specific periods.

Concessions relate to the amount of test days and test riders each manufacturer are allowed, in addition to permitted wildcard appearances, numbers of engines, engine specifications and freezes, aerodynamic updates allowed and the numbers of tyres to be supplied for tests.

MotoGP™ flags and their meanings: riders must react quickly and correctly

Riders must follow a code of conduct in MotoGP™ to ensure safe and sporting racing throughout the season.

Riders must acknowledge and react accordingly to the flags which are waved at trackside by marshals under the instruction of Race Direction, with the following significance:

•       Yellow flag: indicates a dangerous situation, riders may not pass other riders.
•       White flag: indicates it is raining, MotoGP™ riders may enter pit lane to change to bike with wet set-up
•       Red flag: indicates that race or practice session is being stopped for safety reasons. Riders must slow down and return to pit lane.
•       Black flag: Shown together with a rider’s number, means the rider must immediately go to their pit box.
•       Black flag and orange disk: Shown together with a rider’s number, advises riders that their bike has technical issue which may affect their safety and the safety of others. The rider must leave the track as quickly and safely as possible.

Meanwhile the teams and their crews of mechanics and assistants must behave responsibly in pit lane and at trackside, following the relevant rules and protocols in order to maintain safety and sporting fairness.

MotoGP™ penalties: Ensuring safe and fair racing

To ensure fair and safe racing, the riders face different penalties of varying severity, should they infringe on the key Sporting Regulations that apply to them. 

Penalties that can be applied to riders include:

•       Warnings: can be made privately or publicly.
•       Fines: Cash penalty up to €50,000.
•       Change of position: the rider must go back the number of positions decided by the FIM MotoGP™  Stewards Panel.
•       Long Lap Penalty(ies): the rider must complete the pre-defined route of the Long Lap.
•       Ride through: the rider is requested to ride through the pit lane. Stopping is not permitted. The rider may then rejoin the race.
•       Time penalty: the imposition of time affecting the rider’s actual result up to two minutes in a race.
•       Lap time cancelled penalty: the cancellation of a lap time in practice or qualifying.
•       Grid penalty: the imposition of a drop of any number of grid positions or the imposition of starting the race from the pit lane exit at the rider’s next race or next event.
•       Disqualification: the invalidation of the results obtained in an event, practice, race or ranking. An immediate disqualification from a practice session or a race may also be pronounced by means of a black flag or a black flag with an orange disc.
•       Withdrawal of championship points: the loss of points from the Championship races already run.
•       Suspension: the loss of rights to participate for a specified period of time in any activity under FIM control.
•       Exclusion: the final and complete loss of all rights of participation in any activity under FIM control.

The ‘long lap’ mentioned above means the rider must go through an extension of the track, normally losing them around  2-4 seconds, which can cost them a position, or several positions in some cases. The rules state that the long lap penalty ‘will be communicated via dashboard signals (where possible) and a board displayed for the rider at the start/finish line or other pre-defined area.’ Long Lap penalties can also be given ahead of the race start for other offences, and in conjunction with other penalties.

Some of the more common infringements which occur in MotoGP™ and the standard, respective penalties which apply in each case are as follows:

•       Slow riding (e.g. rider waiting for track space or to follow another rider in practice and qualifying): Grid penalty
•       Anticipating the start (jump start): The standard penalty is two Long Lap Penalties
•       Exceeding track limits: cancellation of lap time in practice or qualifying, Long Lap Penalty in race
•       Repeatedly ignoring a penalty: Ride through or time penalty
•       Irresponsible riding: Penalty at discretion of FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel
•       Exceeding pit lane speed limits: For exceeding the pit lane speed limit during a race the standard penalty is a Two Long Lap Penalty.

MotoGP™ race weekend schedule and rules

MotoGP™ regulations define the following schedule to be adhered to during each Grand Prix weekend  in the premier class:

•       Free Practice: 1 - 45-mins session - Friday morning   
•       Practice: 60-mins session timed for entry into Qualifying 2 - Friday afternoon
•       Free Practice 2: 30-mins session - Saturday morning
•       Q1 (Qualifying 1): 15-mins session - Saturday morning 
•       Q2 (Qualifying 2): 15-mins session - Saturday morning 
•       MotoGP™ Sprint: Saturday afternoon 
•       Warm-up: 10-mins session - Sunday morning 
•       MotoGP™ Race: Sunday afternoon

The top ten riders from the Friday afternoon Practice move straight into Q2, before the two fastest Q1 riders also make their way into Q2.

In the Q1 and Q2 qualifying sessions the riders battle for positions on the grid for the MotoGP™ Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix race.

Q1 therefore dictates the grid positions from 13th backwards, whilst Q2 defines who will start on pole (in first place on the grid) and the rest of the leading positions back to 12th. 

In the Sprint on Saturday afternoon the riders cover approximately half the distance of a full Sunday Grand Prix. The Sprint usually lasts around 20 minutes and the first nine riders to finish are awarded points, at approximately half the value of those earned in the MotoGP™ GO race on Sunday. 

The culmination of the Grand Prix is the feature-length MotoGP™ Sunday race, which typically lasts around 40 minutes.

During practice, qualifying, the Sprint and races riders must pay close attention to the flags being waved at trackside, as mentioned above, and also keep an eye on their pit boards and dashboards, for key safety and sporting messages.

Role of the FIM MotoGP Stewards in enforcing rules

At each race weekend on the MotoGP™ calendar the Event Management Committee (which includes the FIM Safety Officer and the FIM Medical Director), the MotoGP™ Race Direction members and the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel keep a close eye on the action on track, ensuring the best safety conditions possible through key MotoGP™ regulations.

Race Direction is a panel of officials who oversee every session and race throughout the season. At each Grand Prix their job is to enforce the rules of MotoGP™, to uphold sporting competition on track and enhance rider safety.

Disciplinary and arbitration matters are the responsibility of the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel, before a case can escalate to the FIM Appeal Stewards and then the MotoGP™ Court of Appeal.

Race Direction is different to the Stewards. They take decisions relating to the safe running of sessions and races, communicating closely with the marshals at the side of the track, who wave the relevant safety and warning flags.

Evolution of MotoGP™ rules: Key changes over the years

As the motorcycle industry and global sports evolve over the years, so do the structure, format and regulations in MotoGP™.

Updates and adaptations are made in order to incorporate technological advances into the sport, ensure rider safety and enhance the spectacle for fans. 

In the modern era these are some of the major changes with regard to the rules of Grand Prix racing:

• 2002: 500cc machinery replaced by MotoGP™ as four-stroke bikes were re-introduced to the premier class
• 2005: Introduction of the flag-to-flag concept in premier class races
• 2010: new Moto2™ class introduced in place of the 250cc category - four-stroke engines replacing two-stroke predecessors 
• 2012: new Moto3™ class introduced in place of the 125cc category - four-strokes also replacing two-stroke engines.
• 2017: Intermediate tyres removed from the tyre allocation in MotoGP™
• 2023: MotoGP™ Sprint became part of the Grand Prix weekend schedule.

In 2027 new regulations will come into force to make the sport even safer, more sustainable and even more spectacular for fans. 

Engine size is to be reduced from 1000cc to 850cc, decreasing top speeds and increasing mileage, making racing more efficient and sustainable. The total number of engines permitted in a season for each rider will also decrease, from seven to six, and MotoGP™ will race with 100% non-fossil fuel from 2027.

Fuel tank capacity will also go down from 22 to 20 litres in MotoGP™ races and aerodynamics will be more tightly controlled. 

How the MotoGP™ World Champion is decided

In the MotoGP™ rules the point scoring system in the Sprint and races is designed to award competitive racing and consistent performance over the course of the season. The rider with the most points in the world standings during the full season becomes the MotoGP™ World Champion.

Points are allocated as follows in each MotoGP™ race:

Points are allocated as follows in each MotoGP™ Sprint:

Riders can therefore earn a maximum of 37 points per Grand Prix. In a season of 22 Grands Prix the maximum possible points tally would be 814 points.

At the end of the 2023 MotoGP™ World Championship Francesco Bagnaia won the title by 39 points from Jorge Martin. A year later Martin became the World Champion by outscoring Bagnaia by ten points in the final standings, the titles in both years only being secured at the last Grand Prix of the season.

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