Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Grand Prix motorcycle racing is the highest class of motorcycle road racing events held on road circuits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Independent motorcycle racing events have been held since the start of the twentieth century and large national events were often given the title Grand Prix. The foundation of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme as the international governing body for motorcycle sport in 1949 provided the opportunity to coordinate rules and regulations in order that selected events could count towards official World Championships. It is the oldest established motorsport world championship.
2021 German motorcycle Grand Prix
Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP bike (2006)
Valentino Rossi, riding a Yamaha YZR-M1, at Le Mans
Marc Márquez, riding a Honda RC213V, at Mugello
Road racing is a North American term to describe motorsport racing held on a paved road surface. The races can be held either on a closed circuit or on a street circuit utilizing temporarily closed public roads. The objective is to complete a predetermined number of circuit laps in the least amount of time, or to accumulate the most circuit laps within a predetermined time period. Originally, road races were held almost entirely on public roads. However, public safety concerns eventually led to most races being held on purpose-built racing circuits.
Riverside International Raceway was an example of a road course
Automobiles competing in the 1906 French Grand Prix
A section of the Nurburgring
Formula One road racing action during the 1961 Dutch Grand Prix