Written by Andrew Lwanga Edited by Harshi Vashee
Following a series of fatalities the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) which oversees Motorcycle racing has decided to raise the minimum age limit in a number of junior racing series.
Over the past 12 months, there have been three deaths in junior racing categories, all in series sanctioned by the FIM. In response a task force within Dorna Sports (the commercial rights holder for World Superbikes and MotoGP) was formed.
After much discourse between Dorna and the FIM it was announced on Friday that the minimum age limit for all junior championships will be raised. In addition to this, the grid sizes, which can at times field as many as 40 motorbikes, will also be significantly reduced. These changes will start to take shape minimally in 2022 and more substantially in 2023.
Starting from the next racing season, all Talent Cup Series will have a lower age limit of 13 with a maximum grid size of 30 riders. Red Bull Rookies Cup will raise its lower age limit from 13 to 14.
Meanwhile, the Moto 3 Championship, will raise its minimum age requirement by a year from 14 to 15 and cap it’s grid size at 32 bikes. The same grid size restrictions will be employed by the World Supersport 300, a support series of the World Superbike series. The minimum age will also be set at 16.
In 2023 age limits will be increased again and with the addition of an entry age of 14 for all Grand Prix type circuits including those graded B and C by the FIM.
MotoGP Championships including Moto 3 and Moto 2 will also have a new lower limit with the required age of entry being 18.