The Role of Physical Preparation in Motorsport Athletes Across Different Vehicle Types: A Narrative Review.

Background: Despite motorsport's widespread appeal, early performance models did not consider drivers as athletes, and even drivers often struggled with this classification, which historically contributed to their exclusion from research focused on athletic performance. Slowly but steadily, this paradigm has been changing.

Purpose: To review the evolution of physical conditioning in land-based motorsports and to examine the specific physiological and physical demands imposed on drivers by different vehicle types. A narrative review was conducted to synthesize historical perspectives, physiological demands, and training approaches in motorsport. Peer-reviewed studies, practical reports, opinion articles, and relevant online materials were analyzed to describe the evolution of the physical conditioning required across racing categories. The physical demands in motorsports are characterized by sustained cardiovascular strain, significant neuromuscular loading, large and sustained G-force exposure, and pronounced thermal stress. These demands vary according to vehicle type. Closed-wheel drivers are particularly exposed to prolonged heat stress and require comprehensive muscular endurance and thermoregulatory adaptation. Open-wheel drivers experience large G-forces, demanding exceptional neck and lower-limb strength. Two-wheel riders require enhanced handgrip strength, dynamic neuromuscular control, and high levels of aerobic capacity.

Conclusions: Tailored conditioning programs addressing the distinct physiological, neuromuscular, and thermoregulatory demands of each motorsport category are closely linked to performance and safety. Further systematic evaluation of the empirical evidence is necessary to enhance the ecological validity of training recommendations and strengthen their application in competitive motorsport.