FIM

Most consequential modern engine-formula reform in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. In 2002, rule changes were introduced to facilitate the phasing out of the 500cc two-strokes; the premier class was rebranded MotoGP, as manufacturers were to choose between running two-stroke engines up to 500cc or four-strokes up to 990cc. The 2002 reform ended the 2-stroke era that had defined the sport since the 1970s and launched the modern MotoGP brand. The 990cc four-strokes dominated the 2002 transition season, and 500cc two-strokes never won a race in the 4-stroke era. Every modern FIM MotoGP rule on engine type, technical regulations, and brand identity descends from this 2002 transition.

Recorded May 10, 2026

Most consequential post-2002 rule reform in MotoGP. For the 2012 season, the MotoGP engine capacity was increased again to 1,000cc (up from the 2007-2011 800cc era), and Claiming Rule Teams (CRT) were introduced with more engines per season and larger fuel tanks than factory teams. The 2012 displacement increase set the modern engine-formula standard that has held through every subsequent MotoGP season, and the CRT system addressed competitive imbalance between factory and independent teams. CRT was later refined into the Open class (2014) and ultimately reabsorbed when the technical playing field equalized. Every modern FIM MotoGP rule on engine capacity, fuel allocation, and team-technical-tier structure descends from this 2012 reform.

Recorded May 10, 2026