New MotoGP rules set to limit cost

Motorcycle racing's governing body has ratified a number of tweaks to MotoGP's regulations that should help prevent an escalation of costs in the series.

With the manufacturers and tyre companies involved the sport all keen to prevent a big rise in the finances needed to compete, two rules ratified by the Grand Prix Commission should help the situation.

A new testing regulation states that tyre companies will now be limited in the amount of running they are able to do prior to events.

Previously, they could in theory run at Grand Prix tracks with a road bike on MotoGP tyres - a potentially expensive exercise. Now they will be limited to running at only one nominated testing venue for four days per year, and without regular team riders.

Furthermore, tyre manufacturers will be able to request a two-day test at any new circuit, or at one that has been substantially resurfaced.

This should allow the tyre companies to better prepare their range of tyres for a race weekend, so therefore not need to take such a wide variety of rubber.

Furthermore, new rules will outlaw the possibility of a manufacturer exploiting the area of oval pistons - which could have led to a big rise in costs if this avenue was followed.

The new regulation states: "The normal section of each engine cylinder and piston in plan view must be circular. Circular section cylinders and pistons are defined as having less than 5% difference in the diameter measured at any two points."

Other changes state that a rider will be deemed to have retired if he enters his bike into the pit garage during a race.

The new rules also clear up confusion over the measurement of the seat height of MotoGP bikes, following a request from Ducati for a clarification about how the rules are interpreted prior to the Turkish Grand Prix.

The new regulations state: "The seat unit shall have a maximum height of the (approximately) vertical section behind the rider's seating position of 150mm.

"The measurement will be taken at a 90° angle to the upper surface of the flat base at the rider's seating position, excluding any seat pad or covering.

"Any on-board camera/antenna mounted on the seat unit is not included in this measurement."

Thanks for the update Ruslan. Looks like more technical specs are being look into but nothing said about the electronics.

MERRY XMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

I'm not sure I like this

My thought excatly!

Gee......motoGP is starting to sound like Formula 1.

More money than brains......unbelieveable !!!

am not I like the rule about going into pit lane during a race either. we will see though. Merry Xmas to all.

im having a really bad feeling about this.. im not sure i understand but it gave me the nerves

From MOTOGP.COM :

- The fuel tank capacities for MotoGP motorcycles is maximum 21 liters.

- In the 125cc and 250cc classes,the main body of the number (number of the racer,like Vale #46) must be of a single colour which is distinctive and strongly contrast with the background colour.

Mr. Newsman would you please see if you can find if there is a news article which talks about the racers' opinions on the new rules.

I always look forward to your newscasts



ilurt

It's actually taking the bike into the garage, not just the pitlane isn't it?

Thanks for the info