“Road to MotoGP” framework
MotoMini, Moto4 and MotoJunior
Dorna Sports and the FIM have announced a complete restructuring of the Road to MotoGP talent development programme, introducing a new tiered system designed to provide a clearer and more inclusive pathway for young riders progressing toward the Grand Prix paddock.
The revised structure groups all youth and feeder championships under a single, unified identity, from the grassroots level through to the FIM Junior World Championships.
New Three-Tier Framework
The system is now divided into three main tiers, MotoMini, Moto4, and MotoJunior, each representing a specific developmental stage for riders and teams.
MotoMini
The entry point for riders aged 10–14, competing in the FIM MotoMini World Series on kart circuits worldwide. The 160 cc and 190 cc categories act as the foundation of the new structure, with national series winners invited to the World Final in Valencia each year. Australia already has a well-established MiniGP program that will morph into this MotoMini tier.
The 160cc Series, designed for riders aged 10 to 14 years old, and the 190cc Series, suitable for riders aged 12 and above, offer two levels of competition racing on kart tracks.
Moto4
Aimed at riders aged 14 and over, this tier uses the Honda NSF250R as a control machine and sees riders move from the kart tracks used in MotoMini, to the larger circuits used by the senior series. Regional competitions include the Momoven Moto4 European Cup, Idemitsu Moto4 Asia Cup, Moto4 Northern Cup, R&G Moto4 British Cup, and Moto4 Latin Cup, all serving as stepping stones to the next level. At this point, Australia has no category that corresponds to this level of machinery, the most comparable ASBK category is the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup on YZF-R15 machines.
MotoJunior
The top tier, incorporating the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship for riders 16 and above, the Moto2 European Championship, and the Moto4 European Cup. The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup remains part of this level, continuing as a key pathway for riders aged 15 and above competing at select MotoGP rounds.
Global Expansion and Inclusion
From 2026, the entire Road to MotoGP programme will adopt the new structure, including additional incentives for teams that support and develop riders from countries outside the sport’s traditional strongholds.
The updated framework is intended to promote wider international participation, ensuring riders from developing motorsport regions gain equal access to the talent pathway. It will be interesting to see how this develops and if it works as intended.
FIM and Dorna Statements
FIM President Jorge Viegas said the restructure strengthens the federation’s commitment to providing “clear and defined opportunities for emerging and talented riders from all corners of the world,” emphasising equality of access and the goal of producing “new champions from new countries.”
Dorna Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta described the move as a key step in broadening the sport’s global base: “This new structure creates a clear pathway for riders, their parents and fans around the world. It fits perfectly with the future of the Grand Prix classes and builds a strong foundation for continued expansion.”
Implementation Timeline
The FIM MotoMini World Series will be the first to adopt the new identity for its 2025 World Final in Valencia, before the full rollout of the updated Road to MotoGP system in 2026.