The class was founded in 2007, and since then a number of the rookies have progressed through to the 125cc/Moto3 championship in MotoGP.

The year 2013 saw a change of machinery to the 4-stroke KTM RC250RBR, following the introduction of the four-stroke Moto3 class.

[1] The Rookies Cup staff include Rider Coaches August "Gustl" Auinger and Dani Ribalta with Peter Clifford being the Director of Rider Development and Media.

Twentythree ex Rookies have gone on to win a world championship as of 2024: So far, eleven ex Rookie riders have started a race in the MotoGP class as of 2024 (active riders in bold): Points are awarded to the top fifteen finishers.

A rider has to finish the race to earn points.