MADRID: India has been announced as the newest Cup to join Dorna’s Road to MotoGP franchise – the FIM MiniGP World Series.
The FIM MiniGP India Series joins Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Japan and Qatar as additions for 2022, adding to the 10 Series that began in 2021: Alpe Adria, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, North America, Portugal, Spain and the UK.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP, aiming to create an equal platform for young riders around the world to begin their motorcycle racing careers. India is the world’s second most populous country and has a huge number of two-wheeled vehicles, meaning motorcycles already form part of the daily life of millions of people.
The FIM MiniGP India Series will serve an established appetite for racing, creating an economically viable and equal environment in which young riders can begin to compete, gain experience and sharpen their skills. The 2022 FIM MiniGP India Series will comprise six rounds, with competition split between Bangalore and Hyderabad.
As ever, the best riders will qualify for the FIM MiniGP World Final alongside the top riders from each Series, with the possibility of promotions up for grabs on the Road to MotoGP.
As per the rules formulated by FIM and Dorna Sports last year, the age of the riders must be between 10 to 14 years. They will be competing astride Ohvale GP-0 160 mini race bikes with Pirelli being their sole tyre supplier. Now, it remains to be seen if an identical format is utilised for the Indian rounds as well. The races shall be held on karting circuits that meet standards set by FIM and the national federation.
