The FIM and members of the Grand Prix Commission have today announced the moto gp news of amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations that will come into effect immediately. The new rules, aimed primarily at cutting the costs involved in Moto GP racing during the 2009 season are the first step by the governing body to ensure that the sport can sustain itself during the difficult global crisis.
While the credit crisis has affected all forms of proffessional sport, it seems that Motorsport in general and particular at the highest level is feeling the effects more than most. The flagship motor sports of Formula One and Moto GP have historically attracted vast sums of money in the form of television rights and sponsorship deals amongst other forms of revenue to the sport, but in the space of a few months it is those two forms of racing that have been hardest hit by the crisis.
Obviously the more finance that is involved, means the more savings to be made. Fortunately all the teams involved are in the same boat and therefore all teams are in agreement over running the respective sports on a smaller budget.
It must be particularly frustrating for Moto GP – struggling to fill its grid, while it’s rival World Superbike championship is attracting more teams and riders than ever. Whether the amended rules will help Moto GP or effect future Moto gp results, remains to be seen, but here are the crucial changes due for 2009.
Friday free practise = Afternoon only and restricted to 40mins for 125cc and 45mins for moto gp and 250cc
Saturday free practise = Morning and restricted as above
Saturday qualifying = 40mins 125cc and 45mins moto gp and 250cc
Sunday warm up = 20 mins each category
Further rule changes are:
From Czech Grand Prix a maximum of five engines can be used for the remaining eight races, with only daily maintenance of engines allowed.
Ceramic composite materials not permitted for brake discs or pads.
Launch control not permitted.
Electronically controlled suspension is not permitted.
Only two post race tests at Catalunya and Czech GP for development purposes using test riders only are permitted.
2 comments so far
1 John Corps // Mar 31, 2009 at 6:59 pm
The news rules should suite Mr. Rossi very well – he does not need all these modern refinments and prefers to ride “by the seat of his pants”. – what a real star he is.
2 Laura // Apr 2, 2009 at 6:25 pm
they wont suit rossi he hates it getting so technical and he like he sed on the 30th of march it is going to make it harder for young riders to come through as they wont get the experience on the track that they need. and the whole engine thing is starting to sound like F1 and ive stopped watching that because its all tactics not racing, Please MotoGP i beg, dont go down their routee. i love this sport its the best, and rossi is the king of all time, i love him to pieces, dont ruin it for us fans. Loves,x:D