Section 3: Playing Area
All circuits hosting a FIM Grand Prix must hold a valid FIM Grade A Circuit Licence (the highest grade), issued under the FIM Circuit Licence Regulations. Grade A is required for all Grand Prix events involving prototype machinery. Circuits are inspected annually and must comply with current FIM safety standards before a licence is renewed or issued.
3.1 Track Specifications
- Minimum track width: 12 metres throughout the circuit layout, with wider minimums required at defined high-speed sections per the FIM Circuit Licence Regulations.
- Track surface: Asphalt; must meet FIM grip and consistency standards. Concrete sections are permitted only where approved by the FIM.
- Race distance: Race distance for MotoGP is set so that total race time does not exceed approximately 45 minutes at the expected race pace. The minimum race distance is 100 km; the target distance is approximately 120 km. The exact number of laps is determined by the Race Director prior to each event and published in the Supplementary Regulations.
- Sprint Race distance: Introduced in 2023, the Saturday Sprint Race covers exactly half the number of laps of the Sunday race (rounded up if an odd number), with a maximum duration of approximately 25 minutes.
3.2 Run-Off Areas & Barriers
- Asphalt run-off areas are preferred and required at high-speed corners per current FIM Grade A standards. Gravel traps may exist at circuits with historical or physical constraints but must meet minimum depth and dimension requirements.
- Tecpro barriers (or equivalent FIM-approved energy-absorbing barriers) are mandatory at all points adjacent to the racing line where tyre barriers or catch-fencing previously existed, per the progressive implementation schedule from the FIM Safety Commission.
- Air fences are required at specific corner entry and exit points identified as high-risk in the circuit licence inspection report.
- Armco barriers must be set back a minimum distance from the tarmac edge and must be covered with FIM-approved foam protection wherever they are within 3 metres of the racing line.
3.3 Pit Lane
- All motorcycles must use the pit lane speed limiter (activated by a dedicated handlebar button) when in the pit lane. The maximum speed in the pit lane is determined per event by Race Direction; typically 60 km/h during sessions and race. The exact limit is published in Supplementary Regulations for each event.
- The pit lane entry and exit lines are clearly marked. Riders must enter and exit only at the designated points.
- Each team is allocated a defined pit box area. Team personnel are prohibited from entering the fast lane of the pit lane when motorcycles are in motion, except during designated pit stop procedures.
3.4 Medical & Support Facilities
A Level 2 Medical Centre (as defined by FIM Medical Code) must be present and fully operational at all times during official sessions. This includes surgical capability, anaesthesia, and intensive care facilities. A helipad capable of accepting medical helicopter operations must be available within the circuit perimeter or immediately adjacent. At least two fully equipped medical vehicles must follow the race.