The motorbike racing series now known as the Motogp World Championship began in 1949 when FIM established the series with 4 classes of racing. Until recent years, the premier class was known as the 500cc World championship, however, in 2002 - 990cc 4 strokes were re-introduced to the series.

The rules were also changed to remove the advantage the 500cc bikes held over the 990cc bikes. In the first season several maunfacturers retained their 500cc 2 stroke machines, however it soon became obvious that the 2 stroke bikes could not keep up with the 4 stroke bikes and were retired in favour of the four stroke models by the following season.

The engine capacity increase in the Premier class was not the only change as it was renamed in 2002 to MotoGP World Championship, with the 125cc and 250cc races retaining their original titles.

In January 2007, new rules are being introduced, currently the bikes can run at a maximum capacity of 990cc with 22 litres of fuel on board. From 2007 onwards the bikes will be restricted to 4 strokes, 800cc maximum with 21 litres of fuel.

The legendary rider, Giacomo Agostini is still on top of the records with 22 consecutive podiums in the premier class, followed by 15 World Titles. Valentino Rossi is currently heading towards Mike Hailwood's record of 76 wins, 112 podiums and 9 world championships.