No factory MotoGP ride for Ben Spies or Marco Simoncelli in 2010

Ben Spies or Marco Simoncelli will be barred from moving to MotoGP and riding for a factory team in their rookie campaign under controversial new rules on entry to the premier class.

Fiat Yamaha, Repsol Honda or Marlboro Ducati will be banned from hiring the likes of Texan Spies or reigning world 250GP champion next season. 

Instead, they will have to sign for an independent team for their rookie campaign, effectively ending the open rider market in MotoGP.

The move comes to try and help independent teams like Tech 3 Yamaha, Gresini Honda and LCR Honda attract more sponsors with big name riders.

The move was unveiled today by Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta and FIM chief Vito Ippolito during a special press conference at the Jerez circuit in Spain.