We know MotoGP as the premier class of motorcycle racing; after all, its prototype bikes and spots on the grid are reserved for only the best in the world. But before reaching the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, most riders start at the same place: the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
The series was designed as a pathway for young talent and has been the first hurdle for many rookies in the past decade. Historically, the hierarchy has been the same, the Rookies Cup, Moto3, Moto2, then MotoGP, except for the differences in engine size and types (For example, the two stroke 125cc and 250cc classes).
It is not entirely foreign to see rider work their way through MotoGP’s feeder series, with standout stars collecting championship trophies in either class.
Let’s start at the very beginning for rookies in today’s era. What is their path?
Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
Introduced in 2007, the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is a platform for younger riders, generally aged 15 to 19 years, to gain a foothold in road racing. Since 2013, KTM’s RC250RBR has been the go-to machinery for said young riders, which makes the cup a spec series. This means that everyone else on the grid rides the same bike. With the cup series motorcycle being a 250cc four-stroke, it is also very similar to Moto3.
The Rookies Cup calendar typically features 12 to 14 races held at European circuits alongside MotoGP weekends. The weekend format is similar to that of MotoGP except for the Cup’s two races on the Sunday, instead of the standard sprint and full race in the premier class. The top 15 points system also mirrors that of MotoGP.
Notable graduates include Johann Zarco (2007 Cup champion, two-time Moto2 world champion), Pedro Acosta (2020 Cup champion, 2023 Moto2 champion), and Álvaro Carpe (2024 Cup champion, currently in Moto3).
There is little doubt that the first step of the feeder series is fiercely competitive, with the podium spots often separated by less than a second. But speed is just one part of the equation. Riders need to possess technical proficiency (in terms of data, setup, and development knowledge), media training, and most importantly, mental resilience.
These three factors are crucial for riders moving up to the higher classes. Coaches Dani Ribalta and August Auigner are key figures in developing and shaping rookies into well-rounded talent for the future. Both coaches work alongside Peter Clifford, the Director of Rider Development and Media.
Rookies Cup application process
Phase 1: Online application
- Riders submit an application via the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup portal.
- Required details:
- Racing CV (career race starts, finishes, and championship standings).
- Video footage showcasing on-track performance.
- Previous season’s race results for verification.
Phase 2: Selection event
- Around 50 to 60 candidates are invited to a selection event (e.g., Circuito de Jerez).
- Evaluations focus on:
- Lap consistency, braking precision, and race lines.
- Reaction time, endurance, and adaptability.
- Resilience, race strategy, and media handling.
- Adaptability is generally preferred over raw speed.
Phase 3: Final selection
- The selection panel chooses 20 to 25 riders based on:
- Consistency within 0.5 seconds over 10-lap simulations.
- Pace and racecraft.
- Ability to adapt to setup changes.
Rookies Cup to MotoGP
The Red Bull Rookies Cup identifies prodigies like Can Öncü (2018 Cup champion), who advanced to Moto3 within a year. Moto3 then refines raw speed and racecraft, while Moto2 focuses on consistency and tire management. All of these skills are vital for MotoGP’s premier class.
Let’s take a look at Pedro Acosta’s trajectory, which illustrates this pathway perfectly:
- 2020: Wins Rookies Cup with a record 6 consecutive victories
- 2021: Claims Moto3 World Championship as a rookie.
- 2023: Secures Moto2 title, earning a 2024 MotoGP promotion
The Red Bull Rookies Cup has always been first of the many stepping stones towards the premier class of grand prix racing and by design, its also one of the most competitive.
The series is instrumental to MotoGP as a whole; from very early on in their careers, rookies discover firsthand that speed alone cannot guarantee a seat in the 1000cc class. Well-roundedness is what teams are looking for.
Future developments may include expanded female participation initiatives and regional Rookies Cup offshoots, but the core mission of transforming raw talent into world champions will endure.
