Brembo and MotoGP during the decades

8/2/2024

 Brembo Celebrates 75 Years of MotoGP with Historic Caliper Exhibition at Silverstone VIP Village.

To commemorate 75 years of MotoGP, Brembo is thrilled to announce a special exhibition showcasing six iconic brake calipers, each representing a pivotal decade from 1978 to the present. This exclusive display is featured in the VIP Village during the MotoGP Grand Prix at Silverstone, providing an unparalleled opportunity for racing enthusiasts and VIP guests to experience the evolution of motorcycle braking technology firsthand.




 

A Celebration of Innovation and Excellence 


Brembo's journey in MotoGP is marked by relentless innovation, technological breakthroughs, and a commitment to excellence that sets new standards in motorcycle racing. This exhibition is not just a retrospective look at the past but a celebration of the ingenuity and engineering prowess that drive Brembo's success over the decades. Each caliper on display tells a story of technological advancement, competitive spirit, and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines Brembo's legacy.



 

A Unique Opportunity for Fans 


Visitors to the Silverstone VIP Village have the rare chance to see these historic calipers up close. Each exhibit highlights a significant milestone in Brembo's history, showcasing the evolution of design, materials, and technology that have helped the world's top riders achieve unparalleled success on the track. From the early days of aluminum calipers in the late 1970s to the latest innovations in the 2020s, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at how Brembo continually pushes the boundaries of what's possible in motorcycle braking systems.




 

The Legacy of MotoGP and Brembo 


MotoGP, the premier class of motorcycle road racing, has seen incredible advancements in technology and performance over its 75-year history. Brembo has been at the forefront of these changes, providing cutting-edge braking systems that have played a crucial role in countless victories and championships. This exhibition not only celebrates the history of MotoGP but also underscores Brembo's vital contribution to the sport, highlighting how the company's innovations enhance safety, performance, and competition.



 

1978: Brembo's First Premier Class Victory 


The journey begins with Brembo's fixed aluminum caliper from 1978. After debuting in Formula 1 in 1975, Brembo cautiously entered the World Motorcycle Championship races. This caliper, derived from street motorcycles, helped Virginio Ferrari secure Brembo's first victory in the 500cc class at the West German GP, riding for the Suzuki Gallina team.





1989: The Evolution of Design and Technology 


By the late 1980s, Brembo refines its manufacturing processes, reducing unnecessary material around the pistons and emphasizing design. The two-piece aluminum caliper with four pistons from 1989, notable for its Brembo logo and red color, plays a crucial role in Eddie Lawson's 1988 world championship win, his third consecutive title with a Brembo braking system. This era also sees the introduction of the radial-mounted brake master cylinder, a standard in today's street motorcycles.


 

1998: Monobloc Innovation for the 500cc Class 


The late 1980s bring another innovation: the first monobloc caliper for 500cc motorcycles. Crafted from a single piece of cast aluminum, this caliper ensures optimal rigidity and lightness. Mick Doohan uses this caliper in 1998 to clinch his fifth consecutive 500cc world championship. Following a serious accident in 1992, Brembo develops a handlebar-mounted rear brake master cylinder for Doohan, allowing precise rear brake control and acting as an early form of traction control.




 

2005: Radial-Mounted Brake Caliper Breakthrough 


Inspired by Formula 1, Brembo engineers propose a radial-mounted brake caliper in the early 1990s. Initially dismissed by the Honda Racing Team's director, the concept proves revolutionary. By 1997, it is adopted by Aprilia in the 250cc class, eventually making its way to MotoGP. Valentino Rossi's 2005 season, marked by 11 wins and 16 podiums in 17 GPs, showcases the success of this innovation. Throughout his 26-year career, "The Doctor" consistently relies on Brembo brakes.


 

​2019: Advanced Caliper Technology


Brembo's 2019 caliper, used by Marc Marquez, features patented technologies like the amplified caliper for greater braking force and the anti-drag system to reduce residual torque. Marquez's record-breaking year underscores Brembo's commitment to excellence, with the brand being the exclusive brake system supplier for all MotoGP teams over the past nine championship seasons.


 


2020: The Brembo GP4 Caliper 


The latest in Brembo's storied lineup is the GP4 caliper, introduced in 2020. This monobloc aluminum caliper, fully machined from a single piece and featuring a radial mount and four pistons, boasts an extreme design with fins for improved cooling. Derived from Formula 1, this caliper ensures optimal performance of carbon discs, available in various geometries and material specifications. With this innovation, Brembo is set to reach the milestone of 500 victories in the 500cc/MotoGP class at the upcoming San Marino and Rimini Riviera GP.




 

Join us at the Silverstone VIP Village to witness these historic calipers and celebrate Brembo's unparalleled contributions to MotoGP over the past 75 years.