Glossary

Aerodynamics 

In MotoGP™ the aerodynamics of the bikes and the riders’ protective gear is vitally important, whether it’s to slice through the air or use drag to enhance performance. On MotoGP bikes specifically, aerodynamic features include winglets, ducts and ground effect elements. Each aerodynamic part aims to make the bike faster around the race track in one way or another. Some elements help the bike to cut through the air as efficiently as possible, others create downforce or pressure gradients to increase grip, stability and corner speed.

Ambient Temperature

The temperature of the air at the circuit, as opposed to the track temperature, which refers to the heat of the asphalt aka the track surface.

Apex

As the riders follow the racing line (the most optimal path) around a track they hit the apex of corner when they are on the most inner point of their turn. Riders brake as late as they can on entry to get to the apex and then accelerate out of the corner on exit as quickly as possible. The apex is therefore the crucial mid-point of the turn.

Asphalt

The surface material of the track on which the riders compete at the circuits which feature in MotoGP. The asphalt must be maintained to a specific standard in order for the circuit to be officially homologated (certified) for Grand Prix racing to take place on it.

Backmarker

A backmarker is a rider who has been lapped or is about to be lapped by other riders in the race. So the backmarker has lost enough time in the race that they have completed one less lap of the track than those overtaking them. Blue flags waved at the trackside during a race indicate to a backmarker that they are about to be overtaken. Backmarkers must allow riders who are about to move a lap ahead of them overtake at the earliest opportunity.

Black Flag

The black flag signals the disqualification of a rider. The flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is waved at each flag marshal post along with the rider’s number. The rider must stop in the pit lane at the end of their current lap and cannot restart, when this flag results from a penalty. The flag can also be presented to a rider for a reason other than a penalty, for example to rectify a non-dangerous technical problem such as a transponder problem, or to indicate to a rider on the warm up lap arriving at pit lane entry after the safety car that they must enter pit lane.

Braking point / Braking Marker

Riders in MotoGP™ must aim to brake as late as possible going into corners, in order to maintain speed for as long as they can. If they brake too early they will lose time and potentially positions to other riders. They therefore use braking points or braking markers, which can be physical features of the circuit, even marks on the track surface, as reference points to measure where they are to brake with optimum efficiency. 

Chequered Flag

A familiar sight in motorsport, the chequered flag is waved on the finish line at the end of races. The end of the allotted time in practice and qualifying sessions is also indicated by the waving of the chequered flag. If a rider crossed the line before the end of the allotted practice time their lap time will continue to be recorded until they pass the finish line again, after the allotted time has elapsed. After crossing the line under the chequered flag at the end of practice and qualifying, riders complete one pit-in lap prior to entering the pits.

Chicane

Two turns in opposite directions enough close together on the layout of a track are referred to as a chicane. So the chicane may be a right then immediately left or a left then immediately right turn on the track layout. The riders must slow down considerably to pass through the chicane safely. One of the most famous chicanes in MotoGP is at the TT cCrcuit Assen in the Netherlands. It's located right at the end of the track layout, just before the finish line and has produced plenty of last lap drama over the years.

Chassis

The chassis is the frame of the bike. The chassis used in all three classes of the World Championship and prototypes, meaning they’re not available for road use and built solely for racing. Chassis design has huge impacts on performance, affecting the stability and handling of the bike. Traditionally, MotoGP chassis are made of aluminium but we’ve also seen steel and carbon fibre used for their construction in recent years.

Clerk of the course

This is the person at each circuit responsible for ensuring smooth running of the Grand Prix and to ensure the safety of the competitors, in collaboration with the Event Management Committee. It is their job to ensure that the circuit is properly prepared for the event and that all the marshals are correctly stationed at their posts.

Compounds

This term is used in MotoGP to describe the mix of materials used to construct the tyres provided by the Official Tyre Supplier, which is Michelin in MotoGP and Pirelli in Moto2 and Moto3. An array of compound mixtures are used to produce tyres of different hardness/softness levels for each Grand Prix. A harder compound tyre provides greater durability and less immediate grip, whilst a softer tyre provides more initial grip and less durability, whereas a medium compound tyre provide a balance between the two.

Concessions

The MotoGP™ concessions system is designed to balance competition and helps manufacturers enhance performance by providing additional benefits based on recent results. Manufacturers and their teams are ranked into tiers, with certain manufacturers receiving advantages like extra testing capabilities, extra wildcard entries and an increased engine allocation. As results improve, these concessions are adjusted (removed) accordingly. The 2024 MotoGP™ concessions update introduced a points-based system that dynamically modifies concessions based on race performance. The MotoGP™ concessions system encourages innovation, and ensures that all manufacturers have opportunities to develop and achieve strong results.

Crew Chief

Each rider in MotoGP has a Crew Chief. This is the most senior member of the technical crew in a MotoGP team who works most closely with the rider, listening to their feedback, directing the set-up of the bike, managing the rest of the crew of analysts, mechanics and technicians.

Curb/Kerb

Kerbs (or curbs to American fans) are the curb stones which feature at the trackside on the edges of the asphalt aka the track surface. They mark the edge of the track from the gravel, grass or other outlying material and give the riders a reference point, specifically for corners and track limits. They are usually two or three colours making a kind of stripe pattern. More and more kerbs that are serrated - but not sharp - are also being added to points on circuits where before there were track limits sensors to check riders weren't being cheeky with the space they were using. If there are serrated kerbs there now, usually riders don't have laps deleted and they're not counted as a track limits infraction if they go over the kerb, since it should cost them more time anyway.

Cylinder

Fans will often hear the word cylinder used in MotoGP. Generally, motorcycle engines have between one and six cylinders. The cylinder is a vital component of a motorcycle engine, housing a piston in the space where the combustion of air and fuel takes place, creating the energy to power the motorcycle. The bikes used in MotoGP have 1000cc four-cylinder engines, in Moto2 the bikes have 765cc three-cylinder engines and for Moto3 they are 250cc one-cylinder engines.

Drafting

This term describes the act of following or tucking in behind another rider in order to benefit from the slipstream - behind another rider, your own air resistance is lesser as they've already punched a hole in the air you're both riding through. Riders use this tactic to reduce drag and therefore help to improve a lap time in practice or qualifying, or in order to set up an overtake in a race.

Engine braking

Refers to the use of gears and the reducing RPM of the engine to slow the bike, as opposed to solely using the brakes on the wheels of the bikes. Engine braking is important in MotoGP as at certain points around the track its use can be more effective and suitable than braking using the front and back brake levers. Teams measure engine braking data closely and can adjust specific settings for the riders to alter engine braking behaviour.

Engine capacity / Engine displacement

The engine capacity (or engine displacement) refers to the size of the engine in terms of cc (cubic capacity). The cc indicates the amount of air and fuel that can be pushed through the cylinders of the engine. MotoGP bikes use 1000cc four-cylinder engines, in Moto2 it is 765cc three-cylinder engines and in Moto3 the riders are equipped with bikes using 250cc one-cylinder engines.

Entry

An entry is an official participation of a rider in a respective class of Grand Prix racing. Before each race weekend an official entry list of the participating riders is published. For example, a wild card (guest) rider can be said to have been given a wild card entry for a Grand Prix.

Event Management Committee

At each Grand Prix throughout MotoGP™ season the Event Management Committee (which includes the FIM Medical Director and the FIM Safety Officer) works directly in conjunction with MotoGP™ Race Direction members and the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel monitoring the action on track, enforcing safety and upholding sporting integrity via correct application of the MotoGP™ rules.

Fairing

The fairing is the cover or shell placed at specific areas over the chassis of the motorcycle. The main function of the fairing is to allow the bike to go faster by providing as much aerodynamic impact as possible, increasing airflow and reducing air drag. Fairings are closely cleaned and inspected in between sessions by mechanics who check for any cracks, breakages or loose fittings which could later impact the bike’s aerodynamics and speed. 

Factory Team

In MotoGP in 2025 there are five ‘factory’ teams, representing the respective manufacturer in Grand Prix Racing. They are Aprilia Racing, Ducati Lenovo Team, Honda HRC Castrol, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. These factory teams are directly fielded by each respective manufacturer in terms of budgeting, development of technology and provision of the most up-to-date motorcycles and components for racing. The non-factory teams in the World Championship are referred to as Independent Teams, and they lease or use machinery already developed by the factories.

Fastest lap

The fastest lap refers to the quickest lap time set in the race by any of the riders. Fans will often here commentators referring to a rider ‘setting the fastest lap of the race so far’ as it typically indicates that this rider is making gains compared to the other riders.

FIM

The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme is the governing body of motorcycle racing, including MotoGP™ and other international series such as WorldSBK.

FIM MotoGP™ Stewards

The FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel keep a close eye on the action on track, enforcing the rules of the World Championship and imposing penalties on the riders when infringements take place. The FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel has responsibility for disciplinary and arbitration matters in MotoGP, whilst disputed cases can be escalated to the FIM Appeal Stewards and then the MotoGP Court of Appeal.

Flags

The flags used in MotoGP perform a crucial function in the communication between race officials and riders in track sessions and races, upholding safety conditions and fair competition. All riders in the World Championship must understand the meaning of the flags which are displayed around the track and must follow the protocols which relate to the use of each different flag type.

Flag-to-flag

The term flag-to-flag means the riders competing in MotoGP can enter the pit lane during a race to change to a second bike. The flag-to-flag rule stipulates that if a race is declared as wet before the start, or if white flags are shown during the race to indicate the presence of rain, then the riders are allowed to swap bikes during the race. It's flag to flag because the race doesn't stop to switch - it goes to the finish flag, conditions permitting.

Free Practice

In MotoGP™ Free Practice 1 takes place on Friday mornings of Grands Prix and Free Practice 2 is held on Saturday mornings. These sessions are timed but the riders’ finishing positions in the sessions do not earn them any points, grid positions or entry into other sessions, so they are used by the riders and teams to work on strategy and bike setup. Then in the session called Practice on Friday afternoons the ten top ranked riders go straight into Q2 (Qualifying 2 in which the top 12 grid positions are contested). Those outside the top 10 in the Friday afternoon Practice go into Q1, from which only the top two riders then make it through to Q2.

Front End/Front Wheel

The front end refers to the anterior part of the motorcycle, including the front tyre, wheel, brakes and suspension forks. If a rider is said to have lost the front end, it means they lost stability of the front tyre on the track, usually resulting in a crash. Tucking the front or a suffering a front end washout is the same as losing the front - the tyre isn't gripping anymore and the bike is usually sliding off track.

Four-stroke / 4-stroke

A four-stroke is an internal combustion engine in which the piston completes four separate strokes to turn the crankshaft. Nowadays, four-strokes are used in all three classes - MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 - whereas historically two-strokes were used in Grand Prix racing.

Fuel limit

This is the amount of fuel that the bikes are permitted to carry in a MotoGP race or Tissot Sprint. The fuel tank capacity limit in the MotoGP class is a maximum of 22 litres for GP races, and 12 litres for the Sprint. Pretty efficient considering they do over 360km/h!

Grand Prix

The term Grand Prix refers to the entire MotoGP race weekend including Friday practices, Saturday practices, qualifying and the Tissot Sprint and Sunday’s races. There are 22 Grands Prix on the MotoGP™ calendar. Sunday’s full length races in the premier class are also referred to as the Grand Prix, distinguishing them from the Sprint.

Grand Prix Commission

A panel composed of members of the FIM, Dorna, IRTA and the MSMA, which agrees the rules of MotoGP™, known formally as the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations.

Grand Prix schedule

The Grand Prix schedule refers to the timings of the on-track sessions and races and official off-track activities at each race event. On Thursday at a Grand Prix a Pre-Event Press Conference is held, then on Fridays fans can enjoy the Free Practice 1 in the morning followed by Practice in the afternoon. On Saturdays there is Free Practice 2, followed by the Q1 and Q2 (qualifying) sessions, before the Tissot Sprint in the premier class. On Sundays, it's race day for MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3!

Hole shot

The hole shot refers to leading the race at the first corner. The riders start the race on the starting grid on the start-finish straight and blast off heading down the straight to the first corner. The rider who leads the race in first position at the first corner - or just out of it - is said to have taken the hole shot.

Homologation

Homologation refers to the testing and certification protocol for motorcycles, circuits, and related equipment (such as helmets) to meet requisite technical standards to be used in MotoGP. Homologation is carried out by the FIM.

Highside

A highside refers to a crash in which the rear wheel loses grip and slips on the track surface, before suddenly regaining traction, which has the affect of flipping the bike upwards as the grip is gone and then suddenly regained. Highsides can often be spectacular, resulting in both the bike and rider taking flight before hitting the ground again. Lowsides, meanwhile, see the front and/or rear end lose grip and the bike and rider slide out.

Independent Team

The non-factory teams in the World Championship are referred to as Independent Teams. These teams are typically one step removed from the manufacturer and operate by buying or leasing the bikes from the factories. In nearly all cases nowadays though, they do have close factory support - whether that be engineers from the factory working with them, or the same new parts as the main team. 

IRTA

IRTA (International Road-Racing Teams Association) was formed in 1986 and represents all of the Grand Prix teams as a collective voice. The Grand Prix Commission, comprises members of the FIM, Dorna Sports (organiser and rights holder of MotoGP), IRTA and the MSMA (Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association).

Jump start

A jump start means a rider has moved forward off the starting position on the grid before the official race start is given. Even if it's a few milimmetres, it's a jump start. When a rider jump starts before the starting lights give the start signal a penalty is incurred. The rules state: “For anticipating the start (jump start) the standard penalty is two Long Lap Penalties.”

Lap chart

The timing sheet produced at the end of a race (or Tissot Sprint), which documents the respective positions of each rider at the end of each lap.

Lap record

The all-time lap record for a circuit is the fastest lap time ever recorded at the track at a Grand Prix, whether that be in practice, qualifying or the race.

Lean angle

Lean angle refers to the angle at which the bike is tipped over by a rider when cornering. The almost incomprehensible lean angles of more than 65º in MotoGP™ are one of the elements which make it the most exciting sport on earth, with the riders regularly getting their knees, elbows and even shoulders down into contact with the track surface.

Long lap penalty

A long lap penalty means the rider must go through an extension added to the track, normally losing them around  2-4 seconds, which can cost them a position, or several positions in some cases. Riders can also be given a double long lap penalty for certain infringements of the sporting regulations of MotoGP.

Lowside

A lowside crash means the rider has lost control of the front tyre and/or rear tyre and the bike falls on the low side of the lean angle. Lowsides can occur at both low and high speeds and are common in tricky conditions, such as wet races. A highside, meanwhile, refers to a crash in which the rear wheel loses grip and slips on the track surface, before suddenly regaining traction, which has the affect of flipping the bike upwards.

Manufacturer

The motorcycle brands participating in MotoGP™. In the premier class of MotoGP the manufacturers taking part are Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, KTM and Yamaha. They compete for the Constructors’ World Championship title.

Marshals

Marshals are positioned around the track ready to indicate specific messages to the riders, by waving various coloured flags. In addition to flag marshals, there are other marshals at trackside who assist the riders if they crash or have a technical problem with their bikes.

MSMA

The MSMA is the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association. The Grand Prix Commission, comprises members of the FIM, Dorna Sports (organiser and rights holder of MotoGP), IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association) and the MSMA.

MotoE™

The FIM MotoE World Championship is the electric competition in the MotoGP paddock. In 2025, the seventh season of MotoE sees 18 riders do battle in 14 races, at seven rounds, on the fastest electric racing motorcycle in the world, the Ducati V21L.

MotoGP

MotoGP™ is the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship. We call it the most exciting sport on Earth. This is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), with the full title of MotoGP™ being the FIM Grand Prix World Championship. MotoGP™ is also the name of the premier class of racing in the World Championship.

Moto2™

The intermediate class of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship is Moto2. In 2010 Moto2 replaced the 250cc category as the intermediate class of the World Championship, with the history of the category dating back to 1949. Moto2™ now features 765cc four-stroke motorcycles powered by Triumph.

Moto3™

The entry class of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship, in which the riders compete on bikes with 250cc four-stroke engines. Also referred to as the smaller or lightweight class, in 2012 Moto3 replaced the former the 125cc category - which had been part of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship since its formation in 1949.

MotoGP™ Legends

The MotoGP™ Legends are the greatest riders to have participated in the World Championship since it commenced in 1949. This is MotoGP’s Hall of Fame, with the list of MotoGP Legends including such illustrious names as Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan and Valentino Rossi, some of the most successful MotoGP riders ever. Other top MotoGP™ legends include Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey, Freddie Spencer, Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene, Geoff Duke, John Surtees and more.

MotoGP rules

The rules of MotoGP are officially called the FIM Grand Prix World Championship Regulations. For a full explanation of how the rules work, check out our ‘What are the MotoGP™ Rules? – A complete overview’ article.

MotoGP standings

The MotoGP standings refer to the current or final rankings in a MotoGP season, with the riders ranked by the number of total points they have earned at each Grand Prix. The combined results from every Grand Prix are totalled up in the MotoGP standings and the rider who earns the most points over the course of the year is crowned MotoGP™ World Champion.

MotoGP Ticket Store

Fans can get official MotoGP tickets and VIP passes from the MotoGP™ Ticket Store. Tickets and VIP passes for every Grand Prix on the World Championship calendar are available from the MotoGP™ Ticket Store, which offers online customer support and secured payments.

MotoGP VideoPass

With the MotoGP™ VideoPass fans can subscribe to watch all the on-track action from every Grand Prix on the MotoGP calendar live. The VideoPass offers fans unrivaled access to interviews and features as well as every second of action LIVE and OnDemand. In addition to all the live content, latest news features and analysis, MotoGP™ VideoPass subscribers get access to exclusive documentaries and thousands of hours of OnDemand coverage of MotoGP™ races dating back to 1992.

Official tyre supplier

The Official tyre supplier in the premier class in MotoGP is Michelin, whilst for Moto2 and Moto3 the official supplier is Pirelli.

Official Tests

A number of Official Tests are held before, during and after the MotoGP™ season, allowing the manufacturers and teams to test new parts and new set-ups on their bikes. There are specific rules which apply to testing to make it as fair as possible for all competing manufacturers to compete on a level playing field. There are also restrictions on private tests at MotoGP™ circuits with current MotoGP™ riders, which the teams and manufacturers must abide by unless they have concessions.

Overtake 

To overtake another rider means to pass or move ahead of them during the race. The frequent and highly skilled overtaking in Grand Prix racing is a key factor which makes the most exciting sport on earth.

Paddock

The term paddock refers to the exclusive denominated area at each Grand Prix circuit adjacent to the pit boxes, where the team trucks, riders' motorhomes, team hospitality structures, suppliers’ facilities, organisers’ offices and technical team units are located. The term also has a wider significance, referring to the community of traveling professionals who work in MotoGP.

Penalties

To ensure fair and safe racing, the riders face different penalties of varying severity, should they infringe on the Sporting Regulations of MotoGP. The penalties penalties that can be applied to riders by the FIM MotoGP Stewards can include Warnings, Fines, Change of position, Long Lap Penalty(ies), Ride through, Time penalty, Lap time cancelled penalty, Grid penalty and Disqualification.

Pit Lane

The pit lane refers to the area in front of the team pit boxes (garages). Riders use the pit lane to pit out (leave the garage) and pit in (return to the garage). On the opposite side of the pit lane to the pit boxes is the pit wall, adjacent to the start-finish straight. On the pit wall the teams use pit boards to communicate messages to riders during sessions and races. Those working in pit lane must follow a specific pit lane safety protocol and the maximum speed limit for riders in pit lane is 60km/h.

Pole position

The first position on the starting grid for a Grand Prix and Tissot Sprint. The pole position and the rest of the grid positions are contested in the qualifying (Q1 and Q2) sessions.

Points system

The points system in MotoGP rewards the best performing riders in each MotoGP Sprint and Grand Prix. The points from every Grand Prix are totalled up in the MotoGP standings and the rider who earns the most points over the course of the year is crowned MotoGP World Champion. In each Sunday race the first 15 riders to cross the finish line earn points for their championship tally, with the race winner earning the maximum 25 points, the second place finisher earning 20 points and the third place finisher getting 16 points. Meanwhile, in the MotoGP™ Sprint the scoring system is different, with the first nine riders earning points. The Sprint winner gets 12 points, the rider in second place earns nine points and the third place finisher gets seven. Therefore, in MotoGP™ a rider can earn a maximum haul of 37 points from each Grand Prix. For our full guide check out this article on the MotoGP™ points system.

Production bike

As opposed to the prototype bikes used in MotoGP which are only built for racing, production bikes are used in many racing series, such as WorldSBK. The bikes fans see in WorldSBK are based on standard road models, with certain modifications permitted for racing. Those modifications relate to brakes, engine management, engine parts, exhaust systems and suspension upgrades, though ultimately WorldSBK riders race on production-based machines that fans can compare to their own road models.

Prototype

The bikes used in MotoGP are prototypes, which means that they are constructed solely for the purpose of racing, much like the cars in Formula 1. MotoGP prototypes are not produced to be purchased for use by the general public, whereas the production bikes used in WorkdSBK are based on models which manufacturers sell for road use.

Qualifying

The term used to describe the sessions in which the riders contest the positions on the starting grid for the race and Tissot Sprint. Check out our full explainer on How MotoGP™ qualifying works.

Q1 & Q2

Direct entry to Q2 (Qualifying 2 in which the top 12 grid positions are contested) is contested in Practice on Friday afternoons. The ten top ranked riders in Practice go straight into Q2 Those outside the top 10 in the Friday afternoon Practice go into Q1, from which only the top two riders then make it through to Q2.

Race Direction

Race Direction is a panel of officials who oversee every session and race at each Grand Prix. The panel is led by Mike Webb, who is the MotoGP™ Race Director and Race Direction Chairman. The job of Race Direction is to run the races and ensure the safety of the event, for example red flagging a race if it becomes too wet and it's deemed dangerous. Race Direction liaises closely with the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards, who have responsibility for managing disciplinary and arbitration matters, such as warnings and penalties.

Racing line

The racing line is the optimal path around a circuit for the fastest lap time. Preferred racing lines per rider can vary slightly due to differences in bike performance and riding style.

Rear end / rear wheel

The posterior part of the bike in MotoGP™ is referred to as the rear end. The rear wheel is a key component of the rear end, in addition to the rear tyre, rear fairing, exhaust system, rear brakes and rear shock (suspension).

Rookie

A rookie in any class of the MotoGP™ World Championship is a rider competing in that category for the first time on a full-time basis. Sometimes ‘rookies’ have already featured in the class on an ad hoc basis as a substitute or wild card, so their status as a rookie only becomes official when they are contracted to ride for a full season as a debutant in the respective category. If they've already done five or more events in one year of the same class, they can't be a rookie thereafter.

Rookie of the Year

At the end of each season of the World Championship the highest placed debutant rider in the final standings of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 is named as the rookie of the year in their respective class. There's a full trophy for this!

Ride Through

Used as a penalty for riders who infringe the rules, a Ride Through is an enforced ride along the pit lane at a reduced speed during a race. Riding through the pit lane whilst adhering to the pit lane speed limit (60 km/h) significantly increases a rider’s lap time compared to a normal track lap and means they lose ground (and usually a lot of positions) in the race. A Ride Through is a fairly serious penalty.

Ride height device

This term refers to the device used to lower the bike for when riders accelerate particularly hard, usually in a low gear and most commonly on race starts or when exiting slow corners. Ride height devices basically "plant" the rear tyre down by lowering the rear suspension and, by lowering the bike's centre of gravity, aim to keep the front wheel on the ground, avoiding unwanted wheelies which are inefficient.

Safety Commission

Every Friday of each Grand Prix weekend the MotoGP™ Safety Commission holds a meeting in which riders and officials convene to discuss and enhance safety measures within the World Championship. Most of the MotoGP riders attend and it's like an open forum. For more information check out our MotoGP™ Safety Features Explainer on how riders stay safe in Grand Prix racing.

Sighting lap

The lap that riders undertake from the pit lane to the starting grid to get their position, approximately 20 minutes before the race start. On the starting grid the riders and their teams carry out their final preparations for the race, before completing the Warm Up lap just prior to the race start.

Slipstream

When a rider ‘drafts’ behind another rider, they are in the slipstream, taking advantage of the reduced air resistance in the area behind the rider ahead. Behind another rider, your own air resistance is lesser as they've already punched a hole in the air you're both riding through. Riders use this tactic to reduce drag and therefore help to improve a lap time in practice or qualifying, or in order to set up an overtake in a race.

Starting grid

The starting grid is the area where riders line up to start the Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix races. Starting grids are structured in the same way at each circuit on the start-finish straight. The starting grid comprises rows, with three riders lining up per row. The riders on each row are arranged at intervals, with the fastest in qualifying starting in front. Each row is separated by a gap of nine metres. The riders contest the positions on the starting grid in qualifying (two sessions called Q1 and Q2) with the very fastest rider in Q2 getting the ‘pole position’ in first place on the grid.

Start-finish straight

The riders start and finish races on a long straight stretch of track called the start-finish straight. This usually has a Grandstand on one side and the pit lane on the other side. The pit wall separates the start-finish straight from the pit lane, where the teams’ pit boxes (garages) are located. On the pit wall the teams use pit boards to communicate messages to riders during sessions and races as they ride along the start-finish straight. Races commence races on the starting grid on the start-finish straight and the sight of the riders blasting off heading down the straight to the first corner is always spectacular. As the riders cross the finish line on the start-finish straight at the end of the race they see the chequered flag being waved.

Substitute rider 

When a full-time rider on the MotoGP grid is unable to compete their team will field a substitute rider for one or more events. In fact, the teams in MotoGP™ are obliged by the rules to select a replacement (substitute) rider for the upcoming Grands Prix should a full-time rider be deemed unfit. Teams are granted a 10-day window to choose a rider ahead of the next GP on the calendar.

Suspension

Suspension in MotoGP is one of the most crucial aspects of the motorcycle to get right for maximising performance and comfort. Suspension components are split into front and rear, with front forks and a rear shock. The front fork comprises two cylindrical tubes that, simply put, utilise a combination of springs and oil to provide support and damping. The same can be said for the rear shock. However, the rear shock is a singular unit. Suspension in MotoGP is crucial and its adjustability is what makes it equally genius and difficult to get right. Suspension components can be fine tuned through spring rates, low and high speed compression damping, low and high speed rebound damping with many further adjustment options possible. All in all, suspension affects the way the tyres interact with the track surface and getting that right is the key to maximising grip, limiting tyre wear and ultimately winning or losing a race.

Swingarm

The swingarm is a critical chassis component on a racing motorcycle. It connects the main frame to the rear wheel. The swingarm pivots in a controlled manner around a point on the chassis called the swingarm pivot due to its connection with the rear shock. Because of this, the swingarm has to stand up to a huge amount of force and so its strength in terms of its flex and stiffness characteristics are a main point of consideration in its design to provide maximum grip and performance.

Teams

In MotoGP™ there are Factory teams and Independent teams. The five Factory teams in MotoGP represent the competing manufacturers in Grand Prix racing and they are Aprilia Racing, Ducati Lenovo Team, Honda HRC Castrol, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. The non-factory teams in the World Championship are referred to as Independent Teams, typically one step removed from the manufacturer and operating by buying or leasing the bikes from the factories. Most now have very close relationships with the factory teams, however, and share data and have engineers from the manufacturers as part of their team.

Tissot Sprint

Run over approximately 50% of the full race distance, the Tissot Sprint became a welcome new addition to the Grand Prix schedule on Saturday afternoons as of the beginning of the 2023 season. Sprint points are allocated at roughly half of those awarded in the full Grand Prix race, with the top nine finishers scoring points. In anticipation of Sunday’s full-distance Grand Prix, the Sprint gives fans a thrilling Saturday afternoon hit of racing action, delivering high-adrenaline racing and impacting the battle for the World Championship. For further information see our full guide on the subject of 'How Does a MotoGP™ Sprint Race Work?'

Top Speed

The outright top speed record in MotoGP™ is 366.1km/h (227.5mph), set by Brad Binder in the Tissot Sprint at Mugello in 2023 on a KTM and equalled by Pol Espargaro in Practice at the same track in 2024, also on a KTM. That speed is approximately three times quicker than the permitted speed limit on the road in many countries (we know, Germany, we know). Top speed is not the ultimate goal of the riders, teams and manufacturers in MotoGP, as they are more focused on quick lap times and high average speeds to win races. But it often helps!

Tyre allocation

At each Grand Prix an allocation of 22 slick tyres are available per rider specifically:

10 front slick tyres in total, comprised of:

• up to a maximum of 5 of specification A

• up to a maximum of 5 of specification B

• up to a maximum of 5 of specification C

12 rear slick tyres in total, comprised of:

• 7 of specification A and

• 5 of specification B

Meanwhile at each Grand Prix there is an allocation per rider of 13 rain tyres available, specifically, six front rain tyres in total (of two specifications) and seven rear rain tyres in total (of two specifications).

Tyre specification

The specification of tyres in MotoGP refers to the ‘hardness’ of the compound composition of the tyres. The official tyre supplier will determine which tyres are suitable for each event and they have many different compound compositions but they bring only certain specifications to each Grand Prix based on the characteristics of the track. Specification A is the softer option (higher immediate grip level, less durability), specification B is the harder option (lower immediate grip level, higher durability). Depending on the circuit and conditions, specification A may be soft or medium, and specification B may be medium or hard. So the tyre supplier decides which specifications are brought to each event: soft and medium, medium and hard, or soft and hard.

Warm Up

The Warm Up is a 10 minute session for the MotoGP riders on a Sunday morning in which they make their final on track preparations for the afternoon’s Grand Prix race.

Warm up lap

The term Warm Up lap is used to describe the non-timed lap of the circuit that the riders undertake just prior to the start of the Tissot Sprint on Saturday and the full Grand Prix race on Sunday.

Wet race

If the track is wet due to rainfall, a wet race can be declared prior to the start. When the race is declared wet before the start riders and their teams will consider whether or not to use rain tyres, depending on how wet the track is. Meanwhile, the flag-to-flag rule stipulates that if a race is declared as wet before the start, or if white flags are shown during the race to indicate the presence of rainfall, then the riders are allowed to swap bikes during the race. That means that if conditions change, the race doesn't stop.

Wild card

A wild card in MotoGP is a "guest" rider who is invited to participate in a Grand Prix. Each factory taking part in MotoGP is allowed three wildcard entries during a season – six for manufacturers who have concessions. Wild cards play a crucial role in the development process for manufacturers, giving test riders the opportunity to try out new parts and settings during a Grand Prix weekend.

Wheelie

A wheelie is the term used to refer to the front wheel of the bike being lifted up, often spectacularly, whilst the rear wheel remains on the ground. Wheelies sometimes occur without the rider wanting them to, as the sheer force of the bike’s acceleration lifts the front end, but riders typically want to avoid this as they have more control and stability with both wheels on the ground. Wheelies are often also seen in MotoGP when the riders are entertaining the fans, particularly in post-race celebrations.

WorldSBK

The Motul FIM Superbike World Championship – known as WorldSBK - features production-based racing motorcycles in an exciting 12 round annual series which was founded in 1988. Whilst MotoGP features cutting edge prototype motorcycles which are only built for racing and cannot be purchased for road use, WorldSBK bikes are based on standard road models, with certain modifications allowed for racing. Those modifications relate to brakes, engine management, engine parts, exhaust system and suspension upgrade, though ultimately WorldSBK riders race on production-based machines that fans can compare to their own road models.

125cc Category

From 1949 to 2012 when it was replaced by Moto3™, the 125cc category was the smaller class (sometimes called lightweight or entry class) of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship. Riders in Moto3 now compete on bikes with 250cc four-stroke engines, as opposed to the 125cc two-stroke predecessors which previously featured in the category.

250cc Category

Up until 2010 when it was replaced by Moto2™, the 250cc category was the intermediate class of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship, with the history of the category also dating back to 1949. Riders in this class previously rode 250cc two-stroke motorcycles, whereas Moto2 now features 765cc four-strokes.

350cc Category

The 350cc category of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship existed from 1949 to 1982. Logically the 350cc refers to the engine displacement - e.g. the size of the engine – used in the bikes that that participated in the class. MotoGP™ Legend Giacomo Agostini won seven 350cc World Championship titles, in addition to his eight 500cc premier class titles, making him the most successful Grand Prix rider of all time.

500cc Category

Up until the end of the 2001 season the 500cc category was the premier class of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship. In 2002 the modern MotoGP era commenced, with the riders in the top tier thereafter racing on larger four-stroke machines. MotoGP riders currently compete on 1000cc bikes in the premier class. The cc part refers to the engine displacement, aka size of the engine.

2027 Regulations 

In 2027 significant new regulations will come into force in MotoGP. The engine size in the premier class will decrease from 1000cc to 850cc, reducing top speeds, making the sport safer, increasing mileage and making the championship more efficient and sustainable. MotoGP will race with 100% non-fossil fuel, aerodynamics will be more tightly controlled and ride-height and holeshot devices will be banned.