Grand Prix Commission Approve Further Revisions To MotoGP Rule Book

The Grand Prix Commission met last week to discuss further revisions to rules and regulations of the MotoGP World Championship for the 2016 season, chief amongst them being a change to the restart procedure and a clarification on the engine and tyre regulations for next year.

Restarting Interrupted Races

In order to minimise the time taken to restart an interrupted race a new procedure has been approved for all classes. This will involve a shorter time spent in the pit lane before a new sighting lap and a significantly shorter countdown on the grid prior to the warm up lap. Engines will not be stopped and only one mechanic per rider will be permitted onto the grid.

In the Moto3 and Moto2 classes when there is more than once race interruption the length of the restarted race will always be 2/3 of the previous race, with a minimum of five laps. So, for example, if the first restarted race was 2/3 of the original race distance then the distance of the second restarted race would be 2/3 of that distance – always with a minimum of five laps. In situations when a restarted race has been interrupted after less than five laps then the distance for the next race will be determined by Race Direction with a minimum of five laps.

Track Familiarisation

For all classes the regulations have been amended to ensure that when a rider uses a machine of the same capacity as the relevant MotoGP class, this can only be a standard production road-homologated machine.

Penalties For Using Engines Over Allocation

In the Moto3 and MotoGP classes, where more than one extra engine is taken at a single event then penalties for the second and any subsequent extra engines will be carried forward to the next event(s).

Rider Safety Equipment

Following consultation with all the major suppliers of helmets, leathers, boots, etc.., new regulations have been approved covering the specifications of equipment used by riders. Procedures for control and testing were also approved.

MotoGP Class Tyres

In line with the appointment of Michelin as the Official Tyre Supplier, the allocations of slick tyres have been modified. Riders will now be permitted to use a maximum of 22 tyres (10 front and 12 rear).

For wet tyres the allocation is a maximum of 7 front and 7 rear. Riders will now also have the option of an intermediate tyre with a maximum allocation of 3 front and 3 rear.

Engine Allocations – MotoGP Class

It has already been agreed that manufacturers can homologate three different engine specifications which may be used by different riders during the season. It has now been agreed that the manufacturers who lose 'concessions' may homologate additional engine specifications for the first season after losing those concessions. However, the maximum number of different specifications is related to the number of Satellite teams being supplied. The formula to be used to calculate this number is:

One Factory team + 2 Satellite teams = 3 different specifications

One Factory team + 3 Satellite teams = 4 different specifications

One Factory team + 4 Satellite teams = 5 different specifications

Moto2 Class Regulations

Teams will be able to refer to the FIM website to check a list of approved dataloggers and sensors.

The regulations concerning throttle control has been clarified to specify that the control valve must be exclusively controlled by mechanical means, i.e. twistgrip and cable.

Moto3 Class Regulations

Regulations already exist which define which certain chassis parts are 'performance parts' and need homologation. The regulations have been modified to state that only homologated parts can be used at events.

Only the oil provide by the official supplier may be used in all parts of the engine including crankcase, gearbox and clutch.

Sporting and Technical Regulations – MotoGP Class – Effective Immediately

Previous regulations made frequent reference to 'Open' and 'Factory' classes and machine types. All such references will now be removed.

Grand Prix Medical Code – Effective Immediately

An updated and revised Medical Code, produced by the FIM in consultation with other MotoGP medical staff, was approved.

Official Fuel Supplier for Moto3 and Moto2

The appointment of the Total/Elf company as the official, exclusive supplier of fuel was approved.

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