Chronology

• 1973: Deaths of Jarno Saarinen and Renzo Pasolini at the Italian round at Monza.
• 1982: The Yamaha OW61 YZR500 is the first V4 in the 500cc class.
• 1985: Michelin introduces radial tires in GPs.
• 1987: Push starts are eliminated.
• 1988: Wayne Rainey wins the first 500cc race using carbon brakes, at the British GP.
• 1990: 500cc grid switches from 5 to 4 bikes per row.
• 1992: Honda introduces NSR500 with big bang engine.
• 1993: Shinichi Itoh and fuel-injected NSR500 break the 200mph barrier at the German GP at Hockenheim.
• 1998: 500cc switch to unleaded fuel.
• 2002: 990cc 4-strokes allowed in premier class.
• 2003: Daijiro Kato dies, leading to Suzuka's removal from the roster.
• 2004: MotoGP grid switches from 4 to 3 bikes per row.
• 2004: Makoto Tamada earns Bridgestone their first MotoGP victory at the Brazilian GP.
• 2005: MotoGP adopts flag-to-flag rule, meaning races continue if rain begins.
• 2007: MotoGP restricted to 800cc 4-strokes.
• 2008: Dunlop drops out of MotoGP.
• 2009: Michelin drops out of MotoGP and Bridgestone become sole tyre providers.
• 2009: Kawasaki Suspends MotoGP activities for 2009 and considers privateer team.