How does MotoGP work?

MotoGP is the premier class of motorcycle racing. On racetracks around the globe, prototype bikes race down the straights at speeds exceeding 300 km/h and carve through the curves at extreme lean angles, often just centimeters apart. Two races are held each race weekend, and that’s exactly what makes the series so exciting for fans and sports bettors alike. But how does MotoGP actually work, from practice to the World Championship?

The season consists of 22 race weekends, known as Grands Prix. Each one takes place on a different track, from Europe to Asia, South America, and Australia. The driver who accumulates the most points over the course of the season is crowned world champion. A team championship and a constructors' championship run concurrently.

The cars used are pure racing prototypes that are not available for purchase as-is. The manufacturers develop the engine, chassis, and aerodynamics themselves, and the tires are supplied by a single vendor for all teams. There are no ties: whoever crosses the finish line first wins. Depending on the track, the main race lasts about 40 to 45 minutes; there are no fuel or tire stops; riders are only allowed to switch to a second motorcycle in the event of a change in weather conditions.

A race weekend follows a set schedule. Practice sessions are held on Friday and Saturday morning, during which the teams test the setup of their cars. The times set in Friday’s practice sessions determine who advances directly to the second qualifying session and who must first compete in a cut-off round.

• Free Practice: Drivers and teams fine-tune the suspension, tires, and electronics for the track.
• Qualifying (Q1/Q2): The ten fastest drivers from Friday's practice sessions advance directly to Q2, while the rest compete in Q1 for two additional spots.
• Sprint Race (Saturday): A short race covering about half the distance; points are awarded to the top nine finishers.
• Main Race (Sunday): The full-distance race, where the most World Championship points are awarded.

This fixed sequence is one of the most important MotoGP rules, because each session affects the starting position and, therefore, the chances in the race.

Points are awarded according to a fixed system: In the main race, the top 15 riders earn points; in the sprint race, only the top nine do. At the end of the season, the total points determine the world champion.

Placement	Main Race (Sunday)	Sprint Race (Saturday)
1.	25 points	12 points
2.	20 points	9 points
3.	16 points	7 points
4.	13 points	6 points
5.	11 points	5 points
6.	10 points	4 points
7.	9 points	3 points
8.	8 points	2 points
9.	7 points	1 point
10.	6 points	–
11.	5 points	–
12.	4 points	–
13.	3 points	–
14.	2 points	–
15.	1 point	–

Anyone who crashes in the sprint but wins the main race has still come out ahead, because the main race is worth more than twice as many points. In the long run, however, consistency carries more weight than individual moments of brilliance.

During the race, race officials communicate with the drivers using flags displayed by the track marshals. Anyone familiar with these flags will quickly understand why a race suddenly takes a different turn than expected.

• Green: The track is clear. After a hazardous section, the no-passing rule is also lifted.
• Yellow: There is a potential hazard on or beside the track, such as a rider who has fallen. Riders must slow down; passing is prohibited in that area. When two yellow flags are displayed, an obstacle is blocking all or part of the track.
• Yellow and red stripes: Traction is reduced—for example, due to oil, gravel, or dirt. This does not refer to rain.
• White with a red cross: It is raining on this section of the route, or the rain is affecting the road surface.
• White: Allows a rider to switch to a second motorcycle—for example, one equipped with rain tires—if race officials declare the race a “wet race.” This is the flag-to-flag rule.
• Blue: A faster driver is approaching from behind. In a race, a driver who is being lapped must let the faster driver pass at the next opportunity.
• Red: The race or practice session is interrupted, usually for safety reasons. All drivers must return to the pit lane with caution.
• Black (with race number): The driver shown has been disqualified and must return to the pits by the end of the lap at the latest.
• Black with an orange circle: The motorcycle has a technical problem that could endanger the rider or others. The rider must leave the track immediately.
• Black-and-white checkered flag: The race is over.

When it comes to betting, it's worth keeping an eye on these signals, because a red flag or sudden rain can completely turn a race around.

Anyone wondering how to ride in MotoGP will quickly realize it comes down to body control. Riders lean out of the saddle at an angle of about 60 degrees in corners, brake from over 300 km/h down to cornering speed, and must maintain a feel for the tires’ grip every millisecond. Added to this is the interaction with the electronics, which help regulate traction and acceleration without replacing the rider.

These skills make all the difference on the track:

• Braking: If you brake late but still smoothly, you'll gain time on your opponent every lap.
• Lean Angle and Cornering Speed: The higher the cornering speed, the greater the forces acting on the tires and the rider.
• Drafting and passing maneuvers: On the long straights, drivers use the slipstream to move ahead in the following braking zone.
• Tire Management: If you push the limits too early, you won't have any reserves left by the end of the race.
• Starts: The first few seconds are crucial because the drivers are bunched up tightly in the first few turns.

In addition to the MotoGP class, which currently features 1,000-cc four-stroke bikes, there are two smaller classes—Moto2 (765 cc) and Moto3 (250 cc)—that serve as stepping stones. Here, young riders gain experience before moving up to the premier class. However, sprint races are held only in MotoGP. There, factory teams from major manufacturers compete alongside independent teams that use the manufacturers’ bikes. The main difference lies in the level of support and the state of development of the motorcycles. The regulations will change for the 2027 season: engine displacement will drop from 1,000 to 850 cc, Pirelli will replace Michelin as the tire supplier, and the aerodynamics of the motorcycles will be reduced.

Even though everyone has the same goal, not everyone rides the same way. Some riders start aggressively and pull ahead early on, while others wait it out, conserve their tires, and only attack toward the end. On top of that, certain tracks suit certain riding styles and motorcycles better. On tight, twisty courses, agility is key; on tracks with long straights, engine power is what counts.

When it comes to MotoGP betting, it’s worth taking a look at this connection. A rider who consistently performs well on a particular track can be an exciting bet there, even if his overall form is weaker. Also important: Qualifying has a huge impact on the race, because passing remains difficult on many tracks.

Now you know the procedures and understand what matters when it comes to qualifying, points, and riding styles. At MERKUR BETS, you’ll find MotoGP betting options for the season’s major races. Pick your race and place your MotoGP sports bets!

Go to MotoGP Betting