Brembo's MotoGP brakes: 12 different discs, 'customised' systems for 2022

For the seventh year running, Brembo is the chosen supplier of braking systems by all of the MotoGP grid.

But that doesn't mean they will all be running exactly the same equipment, with Brembo developing 'technical solutions that allow each rider to customise the braking system to best suit their individual riding style, the track and their race strategy'.

That customisation is made possible by offering a range of different calipers, discs and master cylinders...

Calipers

Brembo states that the majority of riders will continue to opt for its GP4 caliper, launched in 2020.

Machined from a solid piece of aluminium, it features a radial attachment, four pistons, external fins and an 'anti-drag system designed to increase torque during braking'.

The system works by 'generating a force which supplements that created by the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid on the pistons. This means the rider gets greater benefit from applying the same pressure to the brake lever.

'Meanwhile, a spring device on the anti-drag system reduces the residual torque and stops the pads and discs coming into contact with each other, which result in the bike slowing down.'

While the GP4 is the caliper of choice for most MotoGP riders, some still prefer the previous 2019 version.

Twelve carbon disc options

Riders will have no less than 12 different types of carbon discs to chose from this year; six different diameters, each available in 'High Mass' or 'Standard Mass' material specifications.

The majority of riders are expected to choose 340mm diameter discs, split between High and Standard Mass. However, some teams will continue to use both types of 320mm diameter disc.

The Brembo range also boasts a new 355mm diameter ventilated carbon disc, which has been used during testing at Sepang and Mandalika and is available for the start of the season.

Its main advantage is 'precision-controlled ventilation that keeps the disc cool by increasing heat exchange. It was specially designed for bikes on circuits that are very tough on braking systems such as Spielberg, Motegi, Sepang or Buriram.'

A ventilated version of the 340mm diameter disc is also available, introduced in 2021 in Austria, making it the only disc in the Brembo range that comes in both standard and ventilated formats.

Master cylinders, thumb brakes

Brembo can adapt the 'reactivity' of brake control according to the wishes of each rider thanks to a range of different master cylinders available.

Brembo also reports that more than one-third of MotoGP riders now regularly use the thumb-operated master cylinder. Introduced in the 1990s for Mick Doohan, it allows the rider to apply the rear brake by pressing a lever located on the left handlebar.

For the 2022 season, there are two variants.

The first and most commonly used is a closed circuit with a thumb master-cylinder and pedal, using a rear two-piston caliper. The second has two discrete circuits, each acting on two or four pistons within the rear caliper.

In the former, one system excludes the other; in the latter, they can operate simultaneously.

Another variant is the 'push and pull pump', introduced in 2019, which can be operated by the thumb or forefinger, depending on how it is mounted.