MotoGP™ – THE RULES HAVE CHANGED

MotoGP™ got a huge overhaul this season, forcing riders and teams to do a lot of homework. WATCH what they have to say about the rule changes in this exclusive video.

The rules may have changed, but the game stays the same. It’s all about winning. Ultimate victory in MotoGP™ – the premier motorcycle racing World Championship – requires speed, dedication and teamwork. The purpose-built, purebred ‘prototype’ racing bikes are in a league of their own – and it takes a special class of rider to master them. 

Everything changed, it’s completely new.

But what happens if the rules change? Simple put: you do your homework. You log countless hours on the bike to get a precise feel for the new Michelin tires, you run comprehensive analytics to test fuel consumption and the unified electronics package. You unlearn habits formed under the previous regulations.

New technical rules for 2016
The 2016 season brought the most radical regulation changes since MotoGP™ went to four-stroke engines in 2002. Here’s what’s changed:

Watch the video above for a quick rundown of the 2016 rule changes

ECU
The switch to a standard ECU was arguably the most profound change – and certainly the one that got the biggest buzz. Every bike has been fitted with the same unified hardware and software. The switch essentially means a more level playing field for the entire grid. 

Tires
MotoGP™’s move to a new exclusive tire supplier – Michelin – marked a major change. With the move away from Bridgestone came an increase in wheel size from 16.5 to 17 inches and the addition of an intermediate tire for changeable conditions. Michelin brings the choice of two compounds to each round, and riders choose their preferred tire after the first day of free practice. They get 10 front and 12 rear tires to use, with no more than seven of their preferred compound. 

Rider safety
Rider’s gear is now subject to regulations set by the ISO and EN. Helmets, leathers, gloves, and boots must now meet a minimum standard. All riders are now required to wear additional body armor such as back and chest protectors. And riders may be prevented from returning to the track if their gear is damaged and no longer meets safety standards. Winglets are now regulated as well due to safety concerns.

Penalties
MotoGP™ has simplified the the consequences of accumulating too many penalty points. Now riders only face disqualification if the chalk up 10 points on their license. The back-of-the-grid and pit-lane penalties for four and seven points, respectively, no longer apply.

Testing and development
To give newcomers Suzuki and Aprilia the opportunity to catch up to veterans like Honda, Yamaha and Ducati in terms of machine development, they have been allowed a number of concessions. There is no Open Class this season, so concessions allowed new or returning manufacturing to continue testing and development once it was frozen as of the first round in Qatar. On top of that, Suzuki and Aprilia get nine engines for the season rather than seven. It’s worth noting that they can lose this privilege if they start winning based on a points system awarded for podium finishes.

On to Assen
Just under half way through the season, MotoGP™ now heads to TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands – the only venue to have held a round of the Motorcycle World Championship every year since its creation in 1949. The circuit was purpose built for the Dutch TT in 1955, with previous events having been held on public roads. The track is narrow, with rapid changes in direction, and is fully surrounded by grass banks and grandstands, providing excellent viewing for the hundreds of thousands of fanatical spectators who are drawn to the most prestigious event in Dutch motorsport every year. 

It’s a huge favorite with riders. We’ll have to see how they manage it under the new racing conditions.

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