Motegi MotoGP: MotoGP to adopt one-make tyre rule for 2009

The 2009 MotoGP world championship will adopt a one-make tyre rule with Bridgestone winning the exclusive contract, as was exclusively revealed by MCN earlier this week.

Despite yesterday’s dramatic events that saw Ducati confirm it was negotiating an incredible switch to Michelin for reigning world champion Casey Stoner, the one-make rule was agreed this morning at the Twin Ring Motegi.

Michelin couldn’t secure the eight bikes it needed for competition to remain in MotoGP, and Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta refused to budge on his 9am local time deadline for a final decision on the tyre situation for next season.

Ducati was willing to put its five bikes on Michelin tyres, but the French factory couldn’t secure the extra three bikes needed to retain competition, with Dorna stating a 60/40 split must occur to retain multi-brand.

Kawasaki was Ducati and Michelin’s best hopes of a dramatic switch, but senior Japanese management decided to remain with Bridgestone after lengthy discussions yesterday at the Twin Ring Motegi.

And while satellite teams like the San Carlo and LCR Honda squads had expressed an interest in moving, it is understood Honda wanted both to run Bridgestone tyres.

Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta confirmed the decision was taken at a delayed Grand Prix Commission meeting this morning in Japan. He has put the offer out to tender with proposals needing to be submitted by October 3.

The final decision on who has won the bid will be made on October 18 at the latest. MCN understands though that the deal will be awarded to Bridgestone.
For full story and reaction see Wednesday’s MCN.