What does "mapping" mean?

What is engine mapping in MotoGP, how many "maps" are there, their specifics as well as its secret meaning.

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The term "mapping" refers to an engine computer having a "map" stored in its memory. This map is divided into squares on an X and Y axis. Squares on an X axis indicate the engine speed in RPMs (Revolution per minute - a unit of rotational speed). Squares on a Y axis represent the load on an engine (how much is the engine asked to do). Each ECU (Engine control unit) has three versions of a map stored - usually called Mapping 1,2,3 - used in different situations depending on a team strategy or weather conditions. MotoGP riders switch between the maps via handlebar buttons.

MAPPING 1

The most aggressive mapping, usually used during the first laps of the race. There is minimal traction control and a high usage of fuel.

MAPPING 2

Usually used the most throughout the race. There is the same amount of traction control as in Mapping 1, but can preserve tyres for a final laps push.

MAPPING 3

Helps when the tyre degradation is too high, and riders need traction control to keep the bike upright.

It seem reasonable to always start the race with Mapping 1 when the tyres have a lot of traction and then switch when the grip drops. However, starting with too much power can also cause harm. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to do the opposite - start with lower settings and heat things up at the end. This makes sense on tracks such as Sachsenring, where the tyre consumption is high or when there is still tyre rubber, on the track from junior races.

"Especially with all the rubber on the track, you can't use all the power we've got. So you do have to start off sometimes a little bit lower otherwise you just kill the tyre," - Jack Miller

Some riders even change maps on the way to the grid. "It depends on the situation you are in. Some races I start with Power Map 2, but if on the out-lap it feels like ice I come down with the power. And then I think to go back [up] later, but then you are in a rhythm and for what you're going to gain it's very minimal," said Scott Redding, who used to compete in MotoGP from 2014 to 2018.

There are also riders, who keep the same engine map for the whole race. "I've some races this year where I've not even pressed any map at all," said Cal Crutchlow, currently a Yamaha test rider.

"Of course all the time you are adjusting, because the track condition is improving or the grip is decreasing. You must adapt all the time your power to the current grip. In the race, you have some spare maps in case you have some problem with the tyres or some extra problem with the track or something is not perfect. But if let's say, the weekend went quite okay - dry sessions and so on, then you have pretty much your base map well fitted." - Dani Pedrosa, KTM test rider

Engine mapping in MotoGP can be compared to the engine/battery balance in Formula 1. Settings of both these systems can change based on race stages or weather conditions. Teams come up with different strategies to find the balance between race pace and fuel/tyre life.

The word "Mapping" acquired a different meaning throughout motorcycle racing history. The term "Mapping 8", well-familiar to all the MotoGP fans, is actually a twin brother of the infamous "Multi 21" - a failed team order made by RedBull.

"Mapping 8" is also a cryptic message, most famously used by Ducati during the last two rounds of the 2017 season. In Malaysia, Jorge Lorenzo was leading until he received a dashboard message "Suggested Mapping 8". The team later admitted it was a coded message instructing Lorenzo to let through his teammate Andrea Dovizioso and help him close the gap in the Championship over Marc Marquéz. Lorenzo claimed not to see the message, although Dovizioso did end up ahead of him due to Lorenzo running wide.

Ducati did the same during the season's finale in Valencia. This time, however, Lorenzo purposely ignored the message. Not even a clear message on a pit board changed his mind as the Spaniard felt quicker than his Italian teammate.

“Mapping 8" was most recently issued to Fabio Di Giannantonio during the 2023 Qatar GP. In this case, the code meant there were only 5 laps to go. Di Giannantonio, running in second place, got a clear message that he shouldn’t waste more time if he wanted to overtake Bagnaia and win the race, which he ultimately did.