MotoGP rules for 2009 and 2010 unveiled

MotoGP bosses have confirmed a raft of new rules aimed at MotoGP surviving the current global economic crisis.

As has been widely expected, Friday practice has been cancelled for all free practice sessions and for the final seven races of the season from the Czech Republic GP in Brno riders will only be allowed to use five engines. A decision on whether MotoGP will be cut down to just two day meetings in 2010 have still to be finalised. MotoGP bosses have been discussing completely scrapping Friday practice to save costs with the resultant reduction in engine mileage.

As was also expected, for 2010 teams will have to run one motor for three races and the engines. Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta and FIM boss Vito Ippolito confirmed in a press conference at Jerez today that the engines will be sealed and a remote monitoring system will be put into operation and engines checked for legality as a rider leaves the pitlane. 

Having considered what penalty to impose should a rider be forced to change an engine, he will be docked 10-points. Relegating riders to the back of the grid, half points or time penalties were all considered.

The minimum weight limit will be increased in 2010 also by two kilograms to 150kg for four-cylinder bikes.

And there is going to be a further reduction in winter testing to help save costs. Track time will be slashed to just eight days after the Valencia GP in November and the first race of 2010.

Two days are expected to run straight after the Valencia race, with two further three-day sessions at tracks yet to be agreed.