The MotoGP World Championship or often referred to as just MotoGP or its official name FIM MotoGP World Championship is the premier class of the Motorcycle Grand Prix racing series. Previously this class was known as the 500cc class or commonly called the GP500 which was first held since the 1949 season.

As for the MotoGP class as we know it today, it was originally rooted in a change in regulations for the 500cc class in the 2002 season, which is often referred to as the transition year. The 2002 season was the last period for two stroke engines to be competed in premier class competition. During 2002 to 2006 for the first time manufacturers were allowed to increase the total engine capacity specifically for 4 stroke engines to a maximum of 990 cc, and changed to 800 cc in the 2007 season. Manufacturers were also given the freedom to choose the number of cylinders used between three to six with a limit certain weight. With the permitting of the large engine 4 stroke motorcycle, the GP500 class was renamed to MotoGP. All factory teams such as Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki each chose to compete using its new four-stroke engine. Practically only satellite teams are still competing using a 500 cc two stroke engine and even then with a very oversized appearance.

Since the 2012 season, the engine capacity of motorcycles has been increased again to a maximum of 1000cc