Learn more about motorcycle racing!

 

Following our BMW experience (see the previous article!), by discussing with our various coaches and FLo of Steelbike (Dragster driver) we realized that we didn't know much about the world of motorcycles/circuits/grand prix… So here are some details we learned that we think are interesting!

 

So, let's start at the beginning, that is, the origins of this discipline. First, it's important to know that motorcycle sport is governed at the global level by the International Motorcycling Federation or FIM (logic), founded in 1904 in Paris.

Next, there are several categories of circuit racing such as the Grand Prix (motoGP for example), THE Superbike, THE Supersport, or even the’Endurance. For this article, we will only focus on the Grand Prix.

 

The Grand Prix

All these motorcycle races on circuits take place from a starting from a standstill and are organized around a predetermined number of rounds. starting positions The pilots' positions depend on their performance 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 varies depending on the length of the track. For example, the circuit Silverstone Located in England, it is one of the longest circuits with 3.5 miles per lap, which is equivalent to approximately 5 km.

 

It is important to know that there is 3 categories of FIM-organized Grand Prix motorcycle races:

• Moto3
• Moto2
• MotoGP

 

The difference between these categories? Well, as in all sports, there's the skill level of the drivers, but also the machine power.

 

Indeed, the pilots of moto3 There are specific criteria to meet, such as having a 250cc 4-stroke single-cylinder motorcycle with a minimum weight of 152kg (motorcycle + rider). This category is open to riders aged 16 to 28 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 for the rider and their motorcycle must be 215kg. Here, riders must be at least 16 years old; they are future champions!

 

In MotoGP, Motorcycles must not exceed 1000cc, 4-stroke, with a maximum of 4 cylinders. (Don't ask us for further explanation, we get confused 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 motorcycles to make them ever more efficient. These races also help to determine a winner on the side of the pilots, but also on the side of the manufacturers It's a bit the elite Motorcycle races, 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 motorcycles used, they have certain aspects in common, such as the engine or even the tires used, which leads to a certain homogeneity in racing conditions for the drivers, while the MotoGP allows drivers, teams and manufacturers to’to optimise their performance thanks to the characteristics of the prototype prepared.

 

But where Are they girls?

 

 

During this research, it was observed that girls were not showing up on the slopes! We then looked into the matter and it turns out that 2 women had set up the Women's Cup in 2016! Indeed, it is’Emma Clair who happens to be the president of the women's committee of the FFM, accompanied by Karine Sliz, magazine director Motorcycles and Motorcyclists.

 

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

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

It offers 2 categories: 1000cc and 600cc.

Just as with men, this competition is supported by Dunlop, but also The Bike Shop or 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 huge congratulations and continued success for the 2019 edition, which already started with the first round in April and continues with 3 more races:

• Round 2: May 24/25 at Nevers Magny-Cours, as a prelude to the 12 Hours of Magny-Cours
• Round 3: June 15/16 at the Carole circuit (93) during the WERC
• Final: June 29/30 on the Rhin circuit (68) as part of the Speed Trophy

 

The world of motorcycling is evolving! When will we see a mixed championship to show that women also have their place in motorsport!?