In a landmark announcement at the Moto3 Portuguese Grand Prix press conference, CFMOTO declared its entry into the fiercely competitive Moto3 category of MotoGP for the 2022 season, in partnership with Germany’s Prüstel GP team. This marks a significant milestone for the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer as it sets its sights on the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
A Brief History of MotoGP:
Established in 1949 by the FIM (Federation Internationale De Motocyclisme), MotoGP is the oldest and most prestigious motorcycle racing world championship. Now in its 72nd year, the series hosts over 20 races across 16 countries on five continents, with a global live broadcast audience. The world’s best riders from approximately 20 countries compete on cutting-edge motorcycles for glory.
CFMOTO’s Racing Heritage:
CFMOTO’s racing team made history in 2016 by securing a fourth-place finish at the Isle of Man TT in the UK, making it the only Chinese motorcycle manufacturer’s team to complete the race. The brand’s value of “Progressive” has always been at the core of CFMOTO, and now the company is aiming for the top tier of motorcycle racing: MotoGP.
MotoGP’s Three Classes:
MotoGP features three classes of motorcycle racing with different engine capacities: the premier class of MotoGP, Moto2 with a 765cc engine, and the 250cc Moto3. Each class competes in rotation at every Grand Prix event.
CFMOTO’s Entry into Moto3:
Due to regulations set by MotoGP’s governing body, FIM, and Dorna Company, CFMOTO, as a newcomer manufacturer, is not eligible to enter the top class directly. Instead, it must gain experience and accumulate points by participating in Moto3 through a partnership with an existing team.
CFMOTO’s Moto3 Debut:
In 2022, CFMOTO will join forces with Prüstel GP, a German team that has a history of success, including a second-place finish in the Moto3 team standings in 2018. The collaboration will see them compete in the Moto3 class using the championship-winning KTM RC4 motorcycle.
Rider Lineup and Eligibility:
According to FIM regulations, only riders aged 16 to 28 who have participated in one of the five European junior selection championships or an official selection event are eligible for Moto3. Currently, no Chinese rider has met these qualifications. However, CFMOTO Racing Prüstel GP has signed two young Spanish talents: the aggressive rider 43, Xavier Artigas, who was the runner-up in the 2020 Moto3 Junior World Championship, and the consistent 99, Carlos Tatay, a former Red Bull Rookies Cup champion.
CFMOTO’s Long-Term Vision:
CFMOTO is also committed to nurturing young Chinese riders who meet the qualifications to compete in MotoGP. The hope is that one day, a Chinese rider will race a Chinese-branded motorcycle on the MotoGP circuit.
A Glimpse into the Past:
During the era when Moto3 used 125cc motorcycles, a Chinese brand team had attempted to participate. Since the class switched to 250cc motorcycles in 2012, CFMOTO will be the first Chinese motorcycle manufacturer to compete in the Moto3 250cc category and is currently the only Chinese team on the MotoGP grid.
CFMOTO’s Future Aspirations:
CFMOTO is not only participating in the races but also actively developing its own race motorcycles. The company looks forward to competing in the MotoGP series with its self-developed motorcycles in the near future.
CFMOTO’s partnership with Prüstel GP for the Moto3 class is a testament to the company’s ambition and commitment to excellence in motorcycle racing. As they prepare to make their mark on the international stage, CFMOTO carries the hopes of Chinese motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. With a progressive spirit and a drive for innovation, CFMOTO is poised to write a new chapter in the history of Chinese motorcycle racing.
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