The Moto GP world championships is one of the most exciting and dangerous sports in the world, with motorbike riders reaching extremely high speeds as they make their bid to win a series of races around the world, from Qatar to Spain. Here’s some amazing facts about Moto GP for firm fans and those who are new to the sport!

1. Moto GP bikes cost a serious amount of money

How much a Moto GP bike costs can vary from team to team, but they cost upwards of £1.5 million. This is due to the technology used on the bikes, the lightweight materials used and developing the powerful engines. You won’t find them on the forecourt of your local motorbike dealer, that’s for sure.

2. Riders are only allowed to use 22 litres of fuel per race

In any Moto GP race, the amount of fuel a rider can use is strictly monitored. They’re allowed a maximum of 22 liters (5.8 gallons) of fuel which is to make the race fair for everyone participating.

3. The highest speed record belongs to Andrea Dovizioso

At 2018 Italian Grand Prix, Andrea Dovizioso reached a speed of 221.5 miles per hour. The fastest you’re allowed to go on British motorways is 70 miles per hour (which is fast).

4. Moto GP bikes lean around 60 degrees when hugging a bend

MotoGP riders can lean their bikes at extreme angles to turn corners as quickly as possible and can reach approximately 60 degrees. The riders are very skilled and have put in years of practice to do this, which helps them get quicker lap times during races.

5. Moto GP riders lose a lot of sweat during a race

Moto GP riders can lose up to 3 liters of sweat during a race, due to the amount of physical exertion it takes to control a bike at fast speeds. Plus there’s other things to consider too, like the fact they must wear a protective leather suit and crash helmet in hot countries which host Moto GP races. Apart from England, because it’s normally cool during the summer compared to everywhere else.

6. A Moto GP rider can change gears up to 800 times in one race

During a race, a MotoGP rider will change gears up to around 800 times. This is to make the bike ride more efficiently around the track and make them reach top speeds with ease. According to experts, a gear change can take 0.0009 seconds which isn’t very long at all.

7. Moto GP suits are made from kangaroo leather

Kangaroo leather is lightweight and very tough, so it will protect a Moto GP rider as they speed around a race track. A suit weighs up to 4.5kg and will also feature lots of sponsors badges on the chest, arms and back. Racing motorbikes is not cheap!

8. Moto GP tires can withstand very high temperatures

When racing teams prepare for a race, they must take into consideration the weather and conditions to make sure sure their rider can travel the circuit as quickly and as safely possible. The tyres are made so that they can withstand the heat generated from friction on the road; experts say they can handle temperatures as high as 120-140°C!

9. Legendary rider Valentino Rossi is nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ 

Valentino Rossi is one of the most famous names in motorcycle racing and has the nickname ‘The Doctor’, but he has nothing to do with the medical profession. There’s a few theories behind the name. In Italy, the title Il Dottore (The Doctor) is used as a mark of respect for people who are experts in their chosen profession. Some people believe it’s to do with his thorough preparation for motorcycle races and the calm way he dealt with the pressure at competing at the highest level.

10. Francesco Bagnaia won the 2023 championship with ease

This Turin-born rider won the 2022 and 2023 MotoGP World Riders’ Championships and currently rides for Ducati Lenovo. He made the history books after winning in 2023, making him the first rider in recent history to win two in a row, following in the footsteps (or tyre marks) of Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.

11. Honda has won the most MotoGP titles

The Honda racing team currently have 25 championships to their name, comfortably ahead of MV Agusta (16 titles) and Yamaha (14).

12. Moto GP riders have an airbag INSIDE their suit

Because motorcyclists have very little protection other than a crash helmet and leathers, their suits are fitted with an airbag and is designed to protect their back, shoulders and rib cage should they come off their bike at high speed. If the rider comes off their bike, a strap pulls away from the vehicle and makes the airbags inflate using gas canisters which expand in less than a second.

13. A Northamptonshire village is the home of British Moto GP

Silverstone is one of the best known circuits in the UK for motor racing, and will host the British event every year until at least 2034.

14. The 2024 season marks the sport’s 75th anniversary

The Motorcle World Championship was born on the morning of 13 June. 1949 and the 2024 season will be its 75th birthday of sorts. There’ll be no cake on the track as that might cause the bikes to skid around.

15. There are 20 races in the 2024 season

The 2024 season kicked off at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar in March and over the course of the season, there will be 20 races. The season will end on November 17 at Spain’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia.