Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP are three different motorcycle classes for professional track racing. MotoGP is the major league, and the other two are stepping stones for competitors to earn their way to the top. So if you or your business is looking for motorsport sponsorship opportunities as a means for advertising, then it’s crucial to educate yourself on the nuances of every different type of motorsport racing. Therefore, this article highlights the differences between Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP.

The Similarity Between Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP

Before explaining the differences, it’s important to know that one similarity among Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP is that the chassis for all are prototypes. This is because they are designed specifically for the rider to ensure that it helps them get the best out of it. Moreover, there are limited weight requirements (which we explain below), so the unique chassis can help manage that.

The Differences Between Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP

Here are some basic differences among the different classes. After that, we’ll get into each class a little more to discuss what makes each interesting.

Engine

The engine in Moto3 and MotoGP are prototypes, but it is production-based for Moto2. What’s also important to note  is that all bikes in Moto2 use a specific, official engine. The Triumph 3-cylinder engine. Considering the engine is the same, different suspensions can help alter the horsepower just enough to give one ride an edge over the other. 

Number of Cylinders

The number of cylinders in the engines varies among the classes, as mentioned below.

• Moto3: 1-cylinder engine
• Moto2: 3-cylinder engine
• MotoGP: 4-cylinder engine

Engine Capacity

Here are the different engine capacities for each class in cubic centimeters. 

• Moto3: 250 cc
• Moto2: 765 cc
• MotoGP: 1000 cc

Horsepower

The motorbikes have an approximate horsepower for each class, as mentioned below. 

• Moto3: 60 hp 
• Moto2: 140 hp
• MotoGP: 250+ hp

It’s also important to note that the engines for MotoGP motorcycles are not limited like the other classes. Therefore, the engines can be a little over 1000 cc and 250 hp as well. 

Minimum Weight

There are minimum combined bike and rider weights for Moto2 and Moto3. However, with MotoGP, only the minimum weight of the bike is relevant. 

• Moto3: Bike + rider – 152 kg
• Moto2: Bike + rider – 217 kg
• MotoGP: Only bike weight – 157 kg

Top Speed

There are no restrictions on top speeds

• Moto3: Over 245 km/h (152 mph) 
• Moto2: Over 295 km/h (183 mph)
• MotoGP: Over 350 km/h (217 mph)

Budgets

While this may not be a direct difference among the three classes, there is a significant budget difference. The budgets required to compete in Moto3 and Moto2 are significantly lower than that of MotoGP. 

This information is relevant because it affects the sponsorship costs for interested parties. Thus, the MotoGP sponsorship cost is the highest among the three different classes. It is the most prestigious class among them and has a larger audience as well.

The budgets also affect the teams that can participate in these races. Only big teams such as Yamaha and Honda compete in MotoGP. On the other hand, smaller teams such as Redbull compete in the other two classes. Thus, companies with lower budgets can look into Moto3 and Moto2 for motorsport advertising before trying to secure a sponsorship deal for MotoGP.

What Makes Moto3 Interesting

Moto3 has quite a few restrictions on the rider and the motorbike to the other two classes. One unique requirement for the Moto3 class that we haven’t mentioned above is that each rider can only have one motorcycle. Therefore, the bike must be tailor-made for the rider for them to be able to excel at the race. Moto3 has quite a large following because it’s highly competitive, which can make an exciting experience for viewers. The lack of power on the bikes means that these games are typically close. Riders cannot rely on acceleration to gain speed after a corner. Instead, they must maintain as high speeds as possible to corner effectively but still stay at enough speed to maintain their position after they’re out of a corner. Thus, the riders’ skills are incredibly important, and audiences love to watch that.

What Makes Moto2 Interesting

Moto2 is particularly interesting because all of the motorbikes have the same engine. Therefore, the machines are a great showcase of the teams tuning them, and the races also show off the riders’ skill to win a race.

What Makes MotoGP Interesting

MotoGP is the major league, and its prestige and high-powered vehicles make for exciting events around the world.