Rule change for MotoGP

The rules have changed for the red flag procedure in MotoGP in 2006, with unanimous agreement from the Grand Prix Commision.

The Commision, which consists of Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpleta, Claude Denis (FIM), Sito Pons (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), agreed that in future:

“In the moment in which the red flag is shown, those riders not competing actively in the race will not classify”

“Once five minutes have passed since the showing of the red flag, those riders who have not reached the pit lane on board their bikes will not classify”

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This means that you will no longer see riders included in the results who crashed a lap before the red flag. And if there’s a red flag inspired track invasion, don’t expect riders to slow down.

One of the reasons for the change was the second place given to Thomas Luthi at the 125cc Japanese GP. Despite crashing, affecting Sergio Gadea, and causing the red flag to be shown, Luthi was given second place according to the existing regulations.

Meanwhile the Valencia GP has been awarded the IRTA trophy for the ‘Best Grand Pirx’ in 2005. The trophy is judged by a point scoring system which covers every aspect of a GP including rider safety, and medical facilities.