Understand motorsport.
MX1, MX2, Formula 3, MotoGP: the abbreviations carry different rules and histories. Discover which machines race together, how the names developed and why a number on its own tells you little.
TECHNOLOGY · CONTEXT · HISTORYSources checked 7 November 2026
Discipline
Motocross, circuit racing and enduro describe the form of sport.
Vehicle class
MX2, GT3 and E1 classify machines under a technical rulebook.
Championship
A series organises races and titles. It can bring together one or several classes.
Choose a chapter
5 researched guidesMX1, MX2, MXOpen and MXGP: which class is which?
Two motorcycles can both carry a “250” badge yet belong in different world championship classes. Understanding why means separating engine design, changing names and national regulations.
Read chapter →Single-seaters · 6 min readFormula 1, 2, 3 and 4: classes, career paths and their history
F1 is not “GP1”: how GP2 became F2, GP3 fed into today’s F3 and why F4 is not one global series. The history of single-seaters explains their present structure.
Read chapter →Motorcycle · Circuit racing · 5 min readMotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and Superbike: understanding the classes
Two world championship families, different technical foundations: how the 500s became MotoGP, why Moto2 uses a Triumph engine and why Supersport no longer means only 600cc. Reviewed: 7 November 2026.
Read chapter →Enduro · Classic · VMX · 3 min readE1, E2, E3 – and what Classic actually means
A 250 cc two-stroke enduro and a 250 cc four-stroke can share a world championship class in 2026. Historic motorcycles are classified by different criteria. Here is how to read modern enduro and classic rulebooks.
Read chapter →GT · Endurance · 4 min readGT3, GT4, Hypercar: different races on the same track
At Le Mans, prototypes and production-based GT cars race at the same time, but not for the same class victory. What separates GT3 from GT4, and why LMH and LMDh compete directly against each other.
Read chapter →Reading the comparisons
Technical details apply to the stated rules and year. Historic names are placed in their period; national rules may differ. These chapters explain the sport and do not replace event regulations or scrutineering.
AMZ Racing GmbH’s editorial team links original sources from governing bodies, organisers and manufacturers. Every chapter has been reviewed in German and English.
From understanding to planning a visit
Our practical guides help with the next step: rental or owner karting, guest practice, motorcycle courses and a first circuit visit.