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MotoGP rules and regulations: A comprehensive guide
24 January 2025MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing and like any form of elite motorsport, it is governed by a robust set of rules and regulations to ensure safety of the riders, fairness of penalties and competitive balance throughout the field.
To help newcomers get up to speed on the intricate world of two-wheeled motorsport, we’ve compiled a detailed look at some of the key elements in MotoGP’s rulebook.
Flags in MotoGP
Just like in F1, flags are an essential tool in MotoGP used by marshals to communicate information to the riders. Unlike F1 however, these flags fall into two main categories: informative and instructional. Both types play crucial roles in maintaining safety as well as fairness between competitors, but failing to comply with instructional flags can lead to penalties.
The dynamic nature of motorcycle racing means that MotoGP flags often convey more immediate and granular information about track conditions than those used in F1.
Informative flags
- Green flag: This indicates the track is clear and ready for racing. During practice sessions, sighting laps, and warm-ups, a green light signals the pit lane is open. Similarly, in F1, a green flag shows normal racing conditions.
- White flag with a red 'X': Warns riders of rainfall at specific sections of track.
- Red and yellow striped flag: Signals reduced surface grip due to debris, oil, gravel or grass. This can be combined with the white flag with a red 'X' to show water on track and that the grip levels have been affected.
- Blue flag: Informs a rider they’re about to be lapped by a faster rider.
- Chequered flag: The chequered flag is one all motorsport competitors will recognise; it marks the end of a race as each rider crosses the finish line.
Instructional flags
- Yellow flag: This one is also fairly universal across motorsport. It indicates danger ahead; riders must slow down and cannot overtake. A single yellow serves as a minor warning, while double yellows signify a more serious risk. Overtaking under a yellow flag in MotoGP is penalized just like in F1, but will usually be settled by surrendering the position voluntarily.
- Red flag: As is the case in F1, a red flag halts a session due to a severe incident or unsafe conditions, and riders must return to the pits immediately. In MotoGP, if three quarters of the race has been completed, the results stand.
- Black flag: Demands a specific rider stops racing immediately, typically for rule violations or dangerous riding. F1 uses this flag in the same circumstances.
- Black flag with orange circle: Indicates a technical issue with a bike that poses danger to the rider or those around them. They must make their way to the pits as quickly as possible.
MotoGP points system
The points system in MotoGP differs from F1’s more selective points allocation for the top 10 finishers. In the premier class of two-wheeled racing, points are distributed among the top 15 finishers allowing for a more even spread across the field.
MotoGP Grand Prix points
Position | Points |
---|---|
1 | 25 |
2 | 20 |
3 | 16 |
4 | 13 |
5 | 11 |
6 | 10 |
7 | 9 |
8 | 8 |
9 | 7 |
10 | 6 |
11 | 5 |
12 | 4 |
13 | 3 |
14 | 2 |
15 | 1 |
Is there a point for fastest lap in MotoGP?
Unlike F1, which offers a bonus point for the fastest lap if the driver finishes in the top 10, MotoGP does not award an additional point for the fastest lap of a race, regardless of finishing position.
Sprint Race points
MotoGP introduced sprint races in 2023. In these shorter races, points are awarded to the top nine finishers, contrasting with F1's points for the top eight.
Position | Points |
---|---|
1 | 12 |
2 | 9 |
3 | 7 |
4 | 6 |
5 | 5 |
6 | 4 |
7 | 3 |
8 | 2 |
9 | 1 |
MotoGP penalties
MotoGP enforces a variety of penalties to ensure fair competition and safety on track. These range from gentle warnings to severe sanctions and disqualifications. Much like the categories of MotoGP flags, its penalties are divided into two groups that cover technical regulations concerning the bike and behavioural regulations that apply to the rider.
Penalty types
- Warnings: A warning serves as a reminder for minor violations such as exceeding track limits three times, just like in F1.
- Fines: Riders or teams can be fined up to €50,000 for non-safety-related infractions.
- Position change: Gaining an unfair advantage by going off track or in other unusual circumstances can result in a rider being asked to concede a position.
- Long lap penalty: This requires a rider to take a slower route around the outside of a specified corner. This unique MotoGP feature can be likened to F1's 5-second penalties in terms of time loss.
- Ride-through penalty: Like F1’s drive-through penalties, this involves a rider passing through the pit lane at a restricted speed.
- Time penalties: Added to final race results for rule breaches – these can be as little as one second and can be applied for infringements such as overtaking under a yellow flag.
- Grid penalties: Applied for qualifying misdemeanours forcing a rider to drop positions on the grid.
- Disqualification: Invalidates a rider’s results for more serious rule violations.
Steward’s decisions
MotoGP stewards, like their F1 counterparts, are responsible for enforcing the rules in a way they see fit. These decisions, more often than not, spark debate. While errors are less frequent in the modern era thanks to advancements in technology, some rulings still rely on human judgment and that leaves things open to interpretation.
Although a championship’s regulations help to eradicate these discrepancies, motorsport is infinitely complex as Marc Márquez’s 2013 disqualification at Phillip Island for a misunderstanding of the rules highlighted.