Road to MotoGP: The programme – unique in sport – debuts a new look and structure that clearly defines the path to the top for the next generation
The Road to MotoGP is evolving. The programme, which searches out and opens the doors to new talent from around the world, is unique in sport – providing a comprehensive ladder of opportunity for all, wherever they’re from and whatever their background.
Now, these paths have a new, unified, identity. From MotoMini to Moto4 to MotoJunior, each step works as part of a whole – creating a clear framework for riders and providing scope for the programme to further expand around the world.
Riders start the Road to MotoGP™ in the FIM MotoMini World Series, the first initiative in global motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality. Its 160cc Series, for riders from 10 to 14 years old, and 190cc Series, for riders from 12 years old, provide two steps of competition racing on kart tracks around the world. The top riders in each national Series are then invited to take part in the World Final in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP season finale, where more opportunities on the Road to MotoGP are also up for grabs.
From there, the Moto4 tier beckons, for riders aged 14 and above, giving them experience on bigger venues and equal machinery – the Honda NSF250R. The Moto4 tier currently comprises the Momoven Moto4 European Cup, Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, Moto4 Northern Cup, R&G Moto4 British Cup and Moto4 Latin Cup, each provides its own pathway to the next tier. Each serves a different area to provide a diverse and ever-growing number of opportunities across the world.
The final steps on the Road to MotoGP are the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship. The Rookies, starting at 15 years of age, retains its name and continues racing in the MotoGP paddock throughout some of the biggest venues in Europe. The FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship, for riders from 16 years old, headlines the new-look MotoJunior World Championship, which also comprises the Moto2 European Championship, itself also a pathway into the Moto2 World Championship, and the Moto4 European Cup, the entry level competition in MotoJunior.
Here is the full pyramid of the new identities within the core Road to MotoGP competitions:
This new era begins now for the FIM MotoMini World Series as the 2025 World Final rolls out its new identity ahead of the Valencia GP.
From 2026, the entire Road to MotoGP™ will then transform into this new structure – including some new incentives for teams to support MotoJunior riders from key countries. The full announcement will be revealed shortly, with teams set to receive extra support for fielding and succeeding with riders from countries outside the sport’s biggest current catchment areas.
Jorge Viegas, FIM President: “The FIM remains committed to identifying, supporting and providing clear and defined opportunities for emerging and talented riders from all corners of the world. The new Road to MotoGP structure is the latest initiative in this pursuit and represents a hugely important step as we look to provide equal opportunities for all young riders irrespective of where they are racing in the world. MotoGP has a truly global fan base and following, so it is vital that this is also reflected out on track too. As a result of this programme, we are confident that we will see new champions from new countries make their mark at the highest level in the future.”
Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at MotoGP: “We’re very proud of the Road to MotoGP. We continue to be committed to growing our sport, from the grassroots and making sure we’re widening the base of the pyramid globally. This new structure, and its new identities, are an important evolution. In the here and now it creates a clear pathway, for riders, their parents and fans around the world and one that fits perfectly with the future of the Grand Prix classes. It also creates a fantastic foundation for the continued expansion of the programme. Creating global opportunity is important for the young riders it supports, important for MotoGP, and important for our global fanbase.”
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©Words/Images are from an official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com
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