The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is a motorcycle racing series contested by young, up-and-coming motorcycle riders, who have not had experience in a motorcycle grand prix previously. The class was founded in 2007, and since then a number of the rookies have progressed through to the 125cc/Moto3 championship in MotoGP.
Prior to the 2013 season, a 2-stroke KTM RC 125cc engine was used. The year 2013 saw a change of machinery to the 4-stroke KTM RC250RBR, following the introduction of the four-stroke Moto3 class.[1]
The Rookies Cup staff include Rider Coaches August "Gustl" Auinger and Dani Ribalta with Peter Clifford being the Director of Rider Development and Media.
The Spaniard José Antonio Rueda was the first racer to win the Cup title and his first World Championship title in the same year (2022).
The Spaniard Ángel Piqueras was the second racer to win the Cup title and his first World Championship title in the same year (2023).
Twentythree ex Rookies have gone on to win a world championship as of 2024:
