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.
The Rookies Cup staff include Rider Coaches August "Gustl" Auinger and Dani Ribalta with Peter Clifford being the Director of Rider Development and Media.
29 ex Rookies have gone on to win at least one World Championship as of 2025:
The Spaniards José Antonio Rueda, ÃÂngel Piqueras, ÃÂlvaro Carpe and Brian Uriarte have all won the Rookies Cup and the FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship in the same year.
So far, 11 ex Rookie riders have started a race in the MotoGP class as of 2024 (active riders in bold):
Points are awarded to the top fifteen finishers. A rider has to finish the race to earn points.