Race workload and strength profile of MotoGP World Championship riders

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the race workload and strength profile of MotoGP World Champion riders and explore potential differences between categories: MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3. Methods: The race workload of the 2023 championship was analyzed, calculating the average length of the Grand Prix (in meters), duration (in minutes), average speed (in km·h−1), top speed (in km·h−1), laps (number), curves (number), and curve density (in n·min−1) in the 3 categories. Thirty-two riders (6 MotoGP, 11 Moto2, and 15 Moto3) were assessed: hand grip (in newtons), bench press (in newtons), countermovement jump (CMJ), and squat jump (in CMJ: dynamic strength index; in CMJ and squat jump: height [in meters], peak power [in N·kg−1], force [in N·kg−1], impulse [in N·s]), and isometric hip adduction and abduction (in newtons). Differences between categories were analyzed using a Kruskal–Wallis test. The Mann–Whitney test was used to compare values between them. Results: All workload parameters (except curve density) were higher (P < .001) in MotoGP versus Moto2 and Moto3. MotoGP riders had more hand-grip force in their left (P = .009) and right (P = .018) forearms than other categories’ riders. Moto3 riders were smaller (P < .001) and lighter (P = .002) and showed lower impulse in CMJ (P < .001) and squat jump (P = .001) versus Moto2 and MotoGP. Moto2 riders had higher left (P = .004) and right (P = .005) absolute hip abduction than Moto3. Conclusions: The Grand Prix race workload was significantly higher in MotoGP. There were differences between categories in hand grip, jump impulse, and abduction. This suggests the need to implement rider’s strength evaluations.