The MotoGP race at Germany’s Sachsenring circuit on Sunday ended with only 10 riders finishing, matching a modern-era record low for the premier class. This stark result surprised fans and experts, highlighting the intense difficulty and high stakes of the event.
Historical Context of Low Finisher Numbers in Premier Class Racing
The previous instance of such a small group of finishers in MotoGP occurred in 2011 during the Australian Grand Prix, where just 10 riders crossed the line. In 2025, the German Grand Prix saw 18 riders start the race but only 10 reach the finish, reigniting conversations about the fierce competitiveness and challenges riders face in the championship. Though rare, finishes with few riders have happened before; during the 500cc era prior to MotoGP’s establishment in 2002, some races concluded with as few as four riders completing the race, underscoring the demanding nature of motorcycle racing at the highest level.
Factors Behind the High Rate of Retirements at Sachsenring
Many riders were forced to retire due to difficulties at the circuit’s notorious first corner, which is known for causing crashes under pressure. The drive to push limits in such competitive conditions often leads to collisions and crashes that reduce the field dramatically. A notable incident involved Joan Mir, who collided with another rider, reflecting the unpredictable and unforgiving environment of the race. These circumstances contributed directly to the exceptionally low number of finishers.
Impact and Future Implications for the MotoGP Community
This unprecedented event at Sachsenring impels the MotoGP community to reflect on the evolving nature of the sport, the risks riders continuously face, and the level of skill required to survive such challenging conditions. As discussions continue, fans and analysts alike look forward to the next rounds of the season, anticipating more thrilling and unpredictable motorcycle racing action on the global stage.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. Unfortunately, entertainment attracts more attention than sports, so MotoGP wants to benefit from that trend. However, as it is now, MotoGP lacks the personalities needed to make it dramatic and engaging.
Q. Why isn’t MotoGP popular?
A. Motorcycling isn’t as popular as football. Liberty Media’s advertising can’t change the fact that most people don’t have a connection to it. This might be different if people were looking for unique entertainment, but that’s not the case.
Q. Which is the fastest? MotoGP is faster. To give you an example. At the 2023 Misano MotoGP, the fastest lap time was 1:31.791 by Francesco Bagnaia with a top speed of 303.3 Km/h (188.46 mph) by Dani Pedrosa.
A. Is MotoGP quicker than Superbike racing?
MotoGP bikes generally have higher speeds than Superbikes. MotoGP machines are designed specifically for racing, prioritizing speed and performance. In comparison, Superbikes are derived from regular commercial models but modified for racing, making them slightly slower than MotoGP bikes.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. Known as the sole World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1, John Surtees excelled with equal talent and courage in both sports.
