What Is a MotogP?
Motorcycle Motocross is a motor sports category, similar to motocross racing, but not an exact replica of the latter. Grand Prix motorcycle racing, otherwise known as GP, is the premier category of motorcycle road race events held on public road tracks officially sanctioned by the Fédération internationale de Motocycle. GP is one of the most popular and well-known motorcycle racers around the globe. The two most famous GP races are the French GP at Le Mans and the German GP at Brands Hatch.
There are two classes of MOTOGP motorcycles for those competing in the race, the Superpole and the Streetability class. The Superpole is one of the more powerful and expensive motorcycles in the class, sporting a displacement of sixteen liters which allows it to race on a public street track. The Streetability category, meanwhile, allows the four-seater motorcycle to be handled on a public track and uses a lighter and more compact motor than the Superpole. Both classes use single-cylinder engines, which are fitted with larger paddles and larger diameter tires.
The FEP inspectors work closely with the teams and the pit crew and are present at every race. They are present to check safety items such as the helmets, gloves and uniforms. They also check the bikes for proper functioning, including the suspension, clutch, brakes, etc. The Superpole and Streetability classes are administered by the same organization as the GP class, which is named the FEP Motorsports Club. The purpose of the Superpole class is for motorcycles that can compete for the championship, and the Streetability class is for motorcycles that are only eligible for the class for a specific reason.
A motorcycle that completes the MOTOGP test and is deemed to have passed will be given a blue flag sticker on the rear of the bike. The red flag symbol is displayed next to the registration number, which has the golden circular shape surrounding it. There are three different sizes of stickers, representing the sizes of the three different races on which the motorcycle will compete in. These include the Nationwide race series, the circuit series and the national low speed race class.
After each race takes place, a new panel of ten is selected to check the status of all bikes. The panel includes one from each team, who are selected to act as the inspectors. Before the start of each race, the Q1 inspection session takes place. This session includes an assessment of the bike’s condition and any technical issues that could be preventing the bike from running to its full potential. There are a total of 32 tyres on each grid, and the inspectors look at each one individually under a microscope.
If there are any problems with the tyre, for example a loose brake pad or a lack of oil, the rider must return to the pits and provide a detailed description of the problem. The inspector then determines whether the problem constitutes a breach of the code by the rider, and if so, whether it needs repair or replacement. If the infringement is not corrected, the flag goes up and the panel red flags again, signaling that the race cannot continue.