FIM MiniGP, a gateway to MotoGP for 10-14 year olds. A Japanese rider becomes the first world champion! [Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2025]

What is the FIM MiniGP, the gateway to MotoGP?

The FIM MiniGP is a one-make race aimed at kids (aged 10 to 14) who aim to compete in famous road races around the world, including the pinnacle of road racing, MotoGP. Technique is a major deciding factor in the race, and the race can be considered an elite training institute for motorcycle racing.

The machine is the GP-0 160 4-SPEED, manufactured and sold by the Italian company OHVALE, and is equipped with an air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder SOHC 160cc engine. The front and rear tires are specially made by Pirelli, 10-inch slicks, and the engine oil is Motul. The FIM MiniGP, which is held around the world, provides an equal platform for kid riders from all over the world by unifying the machines, competition rules, and technical regulations.

The race will be held in Alpe Adria, North America, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the UK in 2021. Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Qatar, and Japan will join in 2022. As of 2024, the number of participating countries has expanded to 53, with more than 800 registered riders.

In Japan, the FIM MiniGP is a recognized event by the Motorcycle Federation of Japan (MFJ), and a series of races will be held in Japan as the “Japan Series” from 2022. The Japan Series is organized by P-UP World Co., Ltd. and operated by Moto-UP Co., Ltd.

The 2024 series will see the birth of the first Japanese world champion!

The FIM MiniGP significantly reduces the financial burden on participants. It does away with the conventional notion that motorcycle racing is expensive, and by recruiting talented kids from all over the country, it is expanding the base of racers.

The organizers will be on standby to provide all the race vehicles and maintenance, which will be a big attraction for those looking to step up from pocket bikes, as well as for kids competing in mini bikes.

The annual entry fee for 10 races in 5 competitions is 330,000 yen, including machine rental and maintenance, one set of tires, and insurance (however, repair costs in the event of a crash and replacement parts costs are charged separately). Anyone with racing experience should be able to immediately tell whether this is expensive or cheap.

The annual ranking is determined by the total points earned in each round (similar to the MotoGP championship). The series champion receives 1 million yen, second place receives 500,000 yen, and third place receives 300,000 yen.

After the Japan Series, the top three riders in Japan will earn the right to represent Japan at the FIM MiniGP World Final, a global competition to be held in Valencia, Spain, where they will compete against series champions and top prize winners from around the world.

If they win the world championship, they will be able to enter the training program of Dorna Sports, which oversees MotoGP, and will also be able to compete in the Asia Talent Cup, Europe Talent Cup, Red Bull Rookies Cup, etc. Even if they are not promoted to Moto3, Moto2, or MotoGP, they will still be given the opportunity to compete in the domestic All Japan Road Race Championship, etc.

At the 2024 FIM MiniGP World Final, Kunitate Waku will become the first Japanese to win the world championship. Chishiki Hayato will be ranked 6th in the world. We look forward to seeing their future success.

For details on how to enter the “FIM MiniGP Japan Series” (only spot entries will be accepted for the 2025 season), please refer to the “FIM MiniGP Official Website” below.

FIM MiniGP (MiniGP) official website　https://www.minigp.jp/

For ages 10-14! The gateway to MotoGP, “FIM MiniGP,” has an annual entry fee of 330,000 yen, including machine rental, maintenance, one set of tires, and insurance.

The FIM MiniGP is a new international children’s race launched in 2021 by the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation), organizer of the MotoGP, the pinnacle of road racing, and Dorna Sports, the governing body of MotoGP, under the slogan “Road to MotoGP.” Participants are ages 10 to 14. In 2021, the race will be held in Alpe Adria, North America, France, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In 2022, Australia, Austria, Indonesia, Qatar, and Japan will join. As of 2024, the race will be held in 53 countries worldwide, with over 800 registered riders. The Italian OHVALE GP-0 160 4-SPEED, the official FIM MiniGP bike, was on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2024. PHOTO & REPORT ● KITA Hideaki FIM MiniGP (MiniGP) https://www.minigp.jp/ OHVALE JAPAN JAPAN (Overlay Japan) https://ohvale.co.jp/ *Note: All content, race regulations, figures, etc. in the article are based on the 2024 series.

https://motor-fan.jp/bikes/article/107600

OHVALE GP-0 160 4-SPEED…839,300 yen (tax included)

The GP-0 160 4-SPEED is the official FIM MiniGP motorcycle manufactured and sold by OHVALE of Italy. The engine is an air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder SOHC 160cc. The front and rear wheels and tires are 10-inch. The transmission is a 4-speed return (bottom neutral) type with N → 1st → 2nd → 3rd → 4th gear.

Key specifications

OHVALE GP-0 110cc AUTOMATIC…696,300 yen (tax included)

This model features an automatic transmission that requires no manual operation, making it ideal for stepping up from a pocket bike. The engine is an air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder SOHC 110cc.

Key specifications

OHVALE GP-2 190cc EVO… 1,082,000 yen (tax included)

Larger than the GP-0 series, this full-fledged racing machine is an evolution of the GP-0 160 4-SPEED, making it fun and easy for adults to ride. The front and rear wheels are 12-inch, one size larger than the 10-inch GP-0 series. The engine is a powerful, air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder SOHC 190cc. In addition to a specially designed long frame, it features a front disc brake with a 4-pot Φ25 radial caliper for excellent braking power. The Φ33mm CNC front fork can be upgraded to a Φ38 fully adjustable fork.

Key specifications