Desmodromic, combining “desmos” and “dromos” from Greek etymology, to coin a valve system that undoubtedly was the most iconic breakthrough in motorcycling history in the 20th century. It’s a system that sets Ducati apart from virtually every other brand at the time, and perhaps still to this day. Desmo holds the distinction of being the…
The ride height device in MotoGP is one of the sport’s most significant recent technological innovations, forever changing the way motorcycles accelerate out of corners and down straights. The device essentially functions as a system to lower the motorcycle’s rear (and previously front) end during specific racing situations, giving riders the ability to accelerate harder…
Ever since the reduction in collective full grid testing, the significance of the test rider role has in MotoGP grown exponentially. With riders having fewer opportunities to develop their machines, compounded with an increasingly demanding race weekend, test riders is usually the people to keep the development ball rolling, away from the pressures of competition….
In the motorcycle road racing world, two championship categories reign supreme for their role as the pinnacle of technology and competition. Two series, MotoGP and World Superbike Championships (WSBK), are held as the premier class by racing fans worldwide, but there are distinct differences between the two. MotoGP represents the pinnacle of prototype motorcycle engineering,…
Just as the issues regarding tyre pressures have regained their saliency in pre-season testing and after the 2025 Thailand Grand Prix, the announcement of MotoGP’s exclusive tyre supplier in Michelin has still come as a shock to many fans. As the premier class’ supplier since 2016, the Clermont-Ferrand manufacturer has confirmed its exit after the…
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…
The problem of tyre pressure in MotoGP has been a major talking point ever since its supplier Michelin introduced a mandatory minimum threshold in 2023. Introduced as an additional layer to rider safety, tyre pressures have become crucial to race strategy. Evident in Marc Marquez’s move to let his brother Alex pass during the 2025…
Over the years, we have seen some pretty remarkable engines in MotoGP. Whether it be Honda’s iconic RC211V’s V5 engine during the 990cc days or its two-stroke predecessors known for their paralysing speed, often to the detriment of its pilots. The point is, we’ve come a long way from the early experimental days. Many configurations…
The 2025 MotoGP season saw the introduction of a few fresh faces on the paddock. Among them is 2024 Moto2 champion Ai Ogura, who made his debut this weekend at the season opener in Buriram. Arguably, Ogura flew under the radar before his first race for Trackhouse Aprilia, which recently picked up the iconic Gulf…
After a shortened 2020 MotoGP season, hampened by the pandemic where we witnessed a somewhat unusual title winner in Suzuki’s Joan Mir, despite only tasting the champagne once throughout the year, has managed to clinch the title at the last round in Valencia, snatching it away from the Yamaha star rider Franco Morbidelli in only…
