In the 1960s, due to advances in engine design and technology, two-stroke engines began to take root in the smaller classes. Up through the 1950s and most of the 1960s, four-stroke engines dominated all classes. Classes for 50 cc, 80 cc, 125 cc, 250 cc, 350 cc, 500 cc, and 750 cc solo machines have existed at some time, and 350 cc and 500 cc sidecars. There have traditionally been several races at each event for various classes of motorcycles, based on engine size, and one class for sidecars. These four entities compose the Grand Prix Commission. In cases of technical modifications, the MSMA can unilaterally enact or veto changes by unanimous vote among its members. Rules and changes to regulations are decided between the four entities, with Dorna casting a tie-breaking vote.

Teams are represented by the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) and manufacturers by the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association (MSMA). The commercial rights are now owned by Dorna Sports, with the FIM remaining as the sport sanctioning body. As of 2020, Rossi holds the record for most top-flight race wins with 89.Īn FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix was first organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme in 1949. In the top-flight series, Agostini holds the title record with eight, followed by active riders Valentino Rossi with seven and Marc Márquez with six. The most successful rider in Grand Prix history is Giacomo Agostini with 15 titles and 122 race wins. The 2019 MotoGP season comprises 19 Grands Prix, with 12 held in Europe, three in Asia, two in the Americas, and one each in Australia and the Middle East.

The first three classes use four-stroke engines, while the MotoE class (new in 2019) uses electric motorcycles. The championship is currently divided into four classes: the eponymous MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE. Prior to that, the largest class was 500cc, both of which form a historical continuum as the official World Championship, although all classes have official status.

The current top division is known as MotoGP since 2002 when the four-stroke era began. This contrasts with the various production-based categories of racing, such as the Superbike World Championship and the Isle of Man TT Races that feature modified versions of road-going motorcycles available to the public. Grand Prix motorcycles are purpose-built racing machines that are unavailable for purchase by the general public and unable to be ridden legally on public roads. It is the oldest established motorsport world championship. The foundation of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme as the international governing body for motorcycle sport in 1949 provided the opportunity to coordinate rules and regulations in order that selected events could count towards official World Championships. Independent motorcycle racing events have been held since the start of the twentieth century and large national events were often given the title Grand Prix. Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the premier class of motorcycle road racing events held on road circuits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

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