MotoGP Privateer teams get a break

In a meeting held in Barcelona today, the members of the Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna Sports, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Messrs Ignacio Verneda (FIM Sports Director), Javier Alonso (Dorna) and M. Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting) further defined the new Technical Regulations that will come into effect for the 2012 MotoGP season.

It was confirmed last December that the maximum engine capacity would increase to 1000cc for the start of the 2012 season with a maximum number of four cylinders and a maximum bore width of 81mm, and on Wednesday the GP Commission announced further specifications.

These will include a minimum weight of 153kg for bikes over 800cc and 150kg for machines up to 800cc, a maximum number of six engines available for use by each rider, and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters.

There was also an announcement about the exception for private teams, who will have different limitations. These will be that each rider will be able to use 12 engines per season, and with a fuel tank capacity of 24 liters. This new regulations will be further defined by the end of May, with these teams to be referred to as Claiming Rule Teams (CRT).

In addition to these specifications, the Commission unanimously decided to introduce amendments with regards to tire pressure for 2010. For the forthcoming season tire pressure sensors will not be allowed, with tire temperature sensors already prohibited.

Also confirmed at the meeting were definitions regarding the procedure for Moto2 teams to “request a replacement engine on the grounds of substandard performance" during the 2010 season.