The 250cc class, which had formed part of Grand Prix motorcycle racing since the inaugural 1949 season, was discontinued after 2009. The class was replaced by Moto2, which adopted a fundamentally different philosophy: rather than allowing full prototype freedom, the new series mandated a single-spec engine to reduce costs and level the playing field, while leaving chassis design open to team development.
For the first nine seasons, Honda supplied all Moto2 teams with a 600cc four-stroke inline-four engine derived from the CBR600RR road motorcycle, producing around 140 bhp. Dunlop served as the sole tyre supplier throughout much of this period. Carbon brake discs were banned from the outset, with all competitors required to use steel disc brakes.
From 2019, Triumph Motorcycles replaced Honda as the sole Moto2 engine supplier. The new Triumph unit is a 765cc three-cylinder engine based on the Street Triple RS 765 road bike — a significant departure from the previous Honda configuration in both displacement and cylinder count. The switch to the larger-capacity triple was designed to provide stronger midrange torque and a different performance character compared to the Honda four. From 2024, Pirelli replaced Dunlop as the sole tyre supplier for both Moto2 and Moto3.
Moto2 races take place at the same circuits and on the same weekends as MotoGP, forming part of the three-class Grand Prix format. Each event includes free practice, qualifying, and the race itself. From 2019, Moto2 adopted the same knockout qualifying format used in the premier MotoGP class. Riders score points on the same points-per-finishing-position scale used across all Grand Prix classes.
The series has historically attracted riders from national and international feeder championships who are developing the racecraft needed for the MotoGP class. Many current and former MotoGP stars — including Marc Marquez, Jorge Lorenzo, and Valentino Rossi's successor generation — passed through the Moto2 class before reaching the top division.
Moto2 has suffered fatalities during its history. Shoya Tomizawa was killed at Misano during the 2010 season, the first year of the class. In 2016, Luis Salom died during practice at the Catalan Grand Prix following a high-speed impact. These incidents contributed to ongoing FIM safety reviews across Grand Prix racing.
Moto2 occupies a critical position within the Grand Prix structure. Unlike the entry-level Moto3 class, which uses lightweight 250cc single-cylinder machines, Moto2 requires riders to manage significantly more power and aerodynamic complexity. The open-chassis rule means that teams compete meaningfully on engineering grounds, making Moto2 more technically varied than Moto3 while remaining more cost-controlled than MotoGP. The class is considered one of the most competitive in international road racing.
Since 2025, following Dorna Sports' acquisition by Liberty Media, Moto2 continues under the consolidated MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group umbrella alongside Moto3 and the premier class.