Learn more about circuit motorcycling!

 

Following our BMW experience (see the previous article!), by discussing with our different coaches and FLo of Steelbike (dragster driver) we realized that we didn't know much about the motorcycle/circuit/grand prix world... So here are some details that we learned and that seem interesting to us!

 

So, let's start at the beginning, that is, the origins of this discipline. First, you should know that motorcycling sport is governed worldwide by the International Motorcycling Federation or FIM (logic), founded in 1904 in Paris.

Then, there are several categories of circuit racing such as Grand Prix (motoGP for example), THE Superbike, THE Supersport, or even theEndurance. For this article, we will only be interested in the Grand Prix.

 

The Grand Prix

All these motorcycle circuit races are done from a standing start and are organized around a number of rounds defined in advance. starting places occupied by the pilots depend on their results during the qualifications.

 

The races are organized to last between 40 and 45 minutes and must cover a distance of between 95 and 130km. The number of laps set varies depending on the length of the track in question. For example, the circuit Silverstone located in England is one of the longest circuits with 3.5 miles per lap, which is approximately 5 km.

 

You should know that it exists 3 categories of motorcycle Grand Prix organized by the FIM:

• Moto3
• Moto2
• MotoGP

 

The difference between these categories? Well, as in all sports, we find the level of the drivers, but also the power of machines.

 

In fact, the drivers of moto3 have specific criteria to respect such as having a 250 cm3 4-stroke single-cylinder engine motorcycle with a minimum weight set at 152 kg (motorcycle + rider). This category is open to riders aged 16 to 28 years old and is the first level of competition.

 

In moto2, all motorcycles are equipped with the 765cc 4-stroke engine Triumph since 2019. The minimum weight of the rider and his bike must be 215kg. Here, riders must be at least 16 years old, they are budding champions!

 

In motogp, motorcycles must not exceed 1000 cm3 4-stroke, with 4 cylinders maximum. (Don't ask us for more explanations, we get lost there too!). The rider must be at least 18 years old.

This category is reserved for world's best drivers who work with their stables and develop prototypes motorcycle to make them ever more efficient. These races also make it possible to define a winner on the side of the drivers, but also on the side of builders ! It's a bit the elite motorcycle racing, comparable to Formula 1!

 

Apart from the power of the machines, we can see that the races moto3 and moto2 are much more framed regarding the characteristics of the motorcycle used. They have some aspects in common such as the engine or even the tires used which results in a certain homogeneity in the racing conditions for the pilots while the motogp allows drivers, teams and manufacturers toto optimise their performance thanks to the characteristics of the prototype prepared.

 

But where are the girls?

 

 

During this research, we noticed that the girls were not responding on the slopes! We then looked into the subject and it turns out that 2 women set up the Women's Cup in 2016! Indeed, it is aboutEmma Clair who happens to be the president of the women's committee of the FFM, accompanied by Karine Sliz, director of the magazine Motorcycle and Bikers.

 

In 2017, The competition attracted nearly 80 pilots ranging from 17 to 72 years old.

The competition is open to all and has been held 4 races in 2018, which makes this competition a French championship. Great news for the world of women's motorcycling!

It offers 2 categories: 1000 cc and 600cc.

Just like in the men's competition, this competition is supported by Dunlop, but also The Bécanerie or even Racer.

 

The edition 2018 1000cc was won by Margaux Wanham #52 (with 95 points), and the category 600cc by Anne-Louise Floury #3 (with 79 points)!

 

A big congratulations and much success for the 2019 edition which has already started the first round in April and which continues with 3 more races:

• 2nd round: May 24/25 at Nevers Magny-Cours, preview of the 12H of Magny-Cours
• 3rd round: June 15/16 at the Carole circuit (93) during the WERC
• Final: June 29/30 on the Rhin ring (68) as part of the Speed Trophy

 

The world of motorcycling is changing! When will there be a mixed championship to show that women also have their place in motorcycling sports!?