Dorna Sports further announced rule changes for the forthcoming 2020 MotoGP season and also touched upon 2021, relating to wildcard and concessions.
The governing body has confirmed that wildcard entrants will not be allowed in 2020 MotoGP season – along with Moto2 and Moto3 categories – since the events have to be held with minimum number of people at the circuits due to COVID-19 pandemic.
This majorly shuns the chance of Jorge Lorenzo’s return with Yamaha, which was planned for 2020. It also means that the likes of Sylvain Guintoli, Bradley Smith, Michele Pirro, Mika Kallio and Stefan Bradl will not be allowed to race unless they replace a regular rider.
Additionally, MotoGP has also clarified the rule regarding concessions, where teams will stand to lose them instead of gaining more days due to the shortened season. The two-year validity of the concessions will remain as it is, with no change.
The decisions were taken by Grand Prix Commission during the electronic meetings held on April 30 and May 7, which comprised of Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA).
The full statement from MotoGP reads:
CONCESSION POINTS – MotoGP CLASS MANUFACTURERS
One consequence of the reduced number of events in 2020 meant it was possible for a non-concession manufacturer to gain concessions for 2021 based on results in just a few races. To address this issue the Commission agreed on the following change to the regulations:
– During the 2020 season concessions can only be lost, but not gained.
– Current regulations apply to the timing of the loss of concessions.
– All concession points gained during 2020 by concession manufacturers will continue to have a 2-year validity.
ENGINE HOMOLOGATION – MotoGP CLASS MANUFACTURERS WITH CONCESSIONS
The GPC has decided that homologation of 2020/21 engine specifications for MotoGP class manufactures who benefit from concessions can be postponed. This means that KTM and Aprilia are now required to supply sample engines to the Technical Director by the deadline of the 29th of June 2020.
WILD CARD ENTRIES – ALL CLASSES
The likelihood of any events in 2020 needing to be held behind closed doors means that it is necessary to keep participant numbers to the absolute minimum. It is also important to allow optimum utilisation of pit box space by the contracted teams.
The Commission has therefore decided that wild card entries, in all classes, will be suspended for the 2020 season. This decision was also in line with cost reduction policies for MotoGP Class manufacturers. There is every intention to restore wild card entries in 2021 but this decision will be reviewed prior to the 2021 season.
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Here’s details of changed rule for 2021 MotoGP