Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is a motorcycle racing series contested by young, up-and-coming motorcycle riders, who have not had experience in a motorcycle grand prix previously. The class was founded in 2007, and since then a number of the rookies have progressed through to the 125cc/Moto3 championship in MotoGP.
| Category | Motorcycle sport |
|---|---|
| Region | Europe |
| Inaugural season | 2007 |
| Riders' champion |  José Antonio Rueda |
| Official website | www |
 Current season | |
Prior to the 2013 season, a 2-stroke KTM RC 125cc engine was used. The year 2013 saw a change of machinery to the 4-stroke KTM RC250RBR, following the introduction of the four-stroke Moto3 class.[1]
The Spaniard José Antonio Rueda was the first racer to win the Cup title and his first World Championship title in the same year (2022).
Seventeen ex Rookies have gone on to win a world championship as of 2022:
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So far, ten ex Rookie riders have started a race in the MotoGP class as of 2022 (active riders in bold):
- Data correct as of January 2023
Scoring system
Points are awarded to the top fifteen finishers. A rider has to finish the race to earn points.
| Position | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 25 | 20 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
- Each rider's lowest score discounted. (2007-08 Only)
Bike Spec
| Rookies Cup KTM RC250RBR Technical Details[2] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | KTM | |
| Configuration | Single-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 249.5 ccm | |
| Combustion | 4-stroke | |
| Valve Train | DOHC | |
| Power Output | min. 37 kilowatts (50 hp) at 13.000 rpm | |
| Rev Limit | 13,500 rpm | |
| Tank Capacity | ~11 liters | |
| Frame | Tubular steel with adjustable headstock and swing arm pivot | |
| Dry Weight | approx. 80.5 kg | |
| Suspension | Front | Rear |
| WP / DM 35 mm, RCMA3548 | WP / BAVP 4618, adjustable length, hydraulic preload | |
| Rims | Front | Rear |
| OZ Forged Aluminium 2.5 x 17 | OZ Forged Aluminium 3.5 x 17 | |
| Tires | Front | Rear |
| Dunlop 95/70-17 | Dunlop 115/70-17 | |
| Brakes | Front | Rear |
| Brembo Radial caliper, 290 mm GALFER single floating Disc Wave® rotor | Formula brake system, 190mm GALFER fixed Disc Wave® rotor | |
Results
Records
| Description | Record | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Most race wins (total) | 10 wins |  Karel Hanika (2012 - 2013) |
| Most race wins in a season | 8 wins |  Bo Bendsneyder (2015) |
| Most consecutive race wins | 6 wins | Pedro Acosta (2020) |
| Most podium finishes (total) | 17 podiums | Karel Hanika (2012 - 2013)  Can Öncü (2017 - 2018) |
| Most podium finishes in a season | 11 podiums |  Ayumu Sasaki (2016) |
| Most consecutive podium finishes | 10 podiums | Can Öncü (2018) |
| Most points (total) | 417 points | Jorge Martín (2013 - 2014) |
| Most points in a season | 254 points | Jorge Martín (2014) |
| Most pole positions (total) | 10 pole positions | Karel Hanika (2012 - 2013) |
| Most pole positions in a season | 6 pole positions | Karel Hanika (2013) |
References
- "Rookies Cup Future Champions Wanted". Red Bull. Archived from the original on 2014-04-08. Retrieved 2012-12-22.
- "The Rookies Cup Bike". Red Bull. 2015-01-01.