MotoGP has answered some questions under FAQs with regards to the new concession rules for the manufacturers from 2024 onward.
Approved by the Grand Prix Commission ahead of the Valencia GP, the new system covers test days and riders, wildcard appearances, the number of engines, engine specifications and freezes, aero updates and the number of tyres supplied for testing. Factories will be classified into four groups – A, B, C or D – depending on the percentage of the possible maximum points they have accrued in each window.
There are now two windows in which each factory’s performance is assessed: from the first event to the last event of the season AND from the first event after the summer test ban to the last event before the summer test ban of the following season. This allows factories to more quickly gain, or lose, their concessions based on their most recent form – ensuring competition in the world’s most exciting sport can stay as close as possible.
All manufacturers, via the MSMA, approved the proposal for the same reason. Concessions are calculated in two windows:
Window 1: From the first event to the last event of the season.
Window 2: From the first event after the summer test ban to the last event before the summer test ban begins in the following season.
If a manufacturer changes rank during Window 2, the following permissions are granted:
Immediately
- Test tyre allowance will be reduced/increased as per their rank – unless the manufacturer has already used more tyres than the number they have been reduced to
- Private testing with or without contracted riders
- Testing at any GP circuit or three manufacturer-nominated circuits for the remainder of the season
- Wildcard allowance increased or reduced. This includes the cancellation of any wildcards that had already approved by the GPC for the period after the test ban.
- Aero updates will be reduced/increased as per their rank (unless manufacturer has already used more aero specifications than the ones reduced to).
- If changing down from Rank C to D: Engine allowance increased, free engine specification, and one more aero update allowed if a previous iteration is discarded
For the following season:
- If changing up from Rank D to C – Engine allowance reduced, engine specification frozen UNLESS the manufacturer returns to Rank D by the end of the season
FAQs:
MotoGP has announced a new system of “concessions” for manufacturers, designed to ensure we get even closer competition in 2024 – and beyond. Check out the articles in the links below and then read on for some of the most commonly asked questions so far…
When does it start?
Now! The first assessment was the end of the 2023 season, so factories have already gained – or lost – concessions in the new system. The next checkpoint for them to be reassessed is the start of 2024 summer break.
Which factories are ranked A, B, C or D?
Based on the first assessment at the end of 2023, Ducati are rank A, KTM and Aprilia are rank C, and Honda and Yamaha are rank D.
Which points count in the ranking system?
Constructor points, so the points scored by the top finishing rider on each machine.
What does “free” testing mean?
Any rider, any track, anytime. The only two limitations for factories in rank D with “free testing” are:
– No one is allowed to test at a track within the two weeks before a Grand Prix at the same venue. This is a separate regulation and remains as true as ever
– Test tyres – rank D gets the most, but they’re not infinite!
Can Independent Teams on that machinery also test?
Yes. It’s anyone on machinery from that factory – so Yamaha can have Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and new teammate Alex Rins take part in the Sepang Shakedown test if they so choose. As can Honda with CASTROL/IDEMITSU Honda LCR riders. So we could get a super Shakedown in 2024 – it’s up to the factories who have the option, aka Honda and Yamaha in rank D.
[Note: The story is as per press release]