The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, known as the FIM, sanctions Grand Prix motorcycle racing, including MotoGP. It is the international governing body responsible for the sport’s official authority and regulations.
The FIM was founded in 1904 and oversees motorcycle competition across disciplines such as circuit racing, motocross, enduro, trial, and speedway. Grand Prix motorcycle racing became an FIM world championship in 1949, when the championship included classes such as 125cc, 250cc, 350cc, 500cc, and sidecars.
Dorna Sports promotes and commercially manages MotoGP, while IRTA represents teams and the MSMA represents manufacturers. Those organizations participate in the Grand Prix Commission, which helps develop regulations, but they do not replace the FIM as the sanctioning authority. Another common mix-up is FIA: it governs four-wheel motorsport, including Formula 1, whereas the FIM governs motorcycle sport.