Citation

D'Artibale E, Rohan M, Cronin JB. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2018; 13(6): 795-801.

Affiliation

School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/ijspp.2017-0664

PMID

29140152

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: The technological advancements in motorcycle road racing have ensured the evolution of motorcycle performance, however, it is unknown whether these advancements have resulted in increased speed and therefore risk. To better understand the top level of this sport and inform future regulations, performance-related strategies and safety procedures, this study aims at: 1) analysing and describing how the performance characteristics of the top-class of the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle world championship have changed with time; and, 2) quantifying potential interactions between performance data (i.e. crashes, speed and environmental conditions).

METHODS: Variables such as top-ten riders speed of racing, crashes, starting position of winner, participants and environmental conditions were collected from official race reports from 1997 to 2016. Data standardisation was ensured by including only dry competitions in the analysis.

RESULTS: The mean racing speed ranged from a minimum of 155 ± 7.27 km·h(-1) (year 2000) to a maximum of 165 ± 6.48 km·h(-1) (year 2015). Linear mixed model analysis revealed that the variables year and class significantly influenced changes in mean speed (faster racing). From 12 to 14% of starters (95% CI) suffered a crash per race. No significant associations were found between crashes and mean speed, ground temperature, air temperature and air humidity.

CONCLUSION: The speed of dry racing of the top-class of the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle world championship has increased over a 20-year span. Motorcycle circuit racing riders should consider the importance of being prepared to cope with crashing events to minimise chances of injuries.

Language: en

Keywords

Crashes; Motorcycling; Motorsports; Performance; Racing