The GP Commission has announced rules changes in MotoGP and also Moto2 and Moto3 to cut costs amid the COVID-19 pandemic after the latest meet.
One of the bigger changes approved by GP Commission which had manufacturers’ and other organisations involved, was the freeze of engine and aero body for 2021 MotoGP season, so that there is parity and costs are limited due to COVID-19 pandemic.
That was the major point for MotoGP, while for Moto2 and Moto3, there were multiple approvals for things like aero body, swingarm, ride height devices and more, which will help the small teams to function without the need of extra costs.
The full statement from MotoGP stated:
A very positive and fruitful electronic meeting between MotoGP manufacturers and representatives of the organisation was recently held in order to share views and discuss a range of topics, from calendar revisions to proposed changes to the technical regulations for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
After approval by all teams across the three classes, the majority of the manufacturers and no votes against, the following proposals for changes to the technical regulations were then made to the Grand Prix Commission and subsequently accepted.
These changes are designed to reduce the costs incurred by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis whilst maintaining fairness and equality in order to conserve the entertainment value of the sport and the integrity of the competition.
– Specification freeze for the engine and aero-body, for the MotoGP class till the first event of the 2021 season. Thereafter, current upgrade regulations will apply for the rest of the 2021 season.
– Specification freeze of the whole motorcycle in Moto2 and Moto3 classes during 2020 and 2021.
The FIM, IRTA and Dorna want to thank all the manufacturers for their continuous support to the Championship.
Please find below the Grand Prix Commission decisions regarding these changes in full, as well as details on the banning of ride height devices in both Moto2™ and Moto3™.
Moto2 CLASS:
– The organisers supply all Moto2 Class riders with equal Triumph 765cc engines.
– Until now, the only limitation in terms of allocations of technical parts was the allowance of one upgrade to the Aero Body per manufacturer.
– The GPC has approved the following changes, effective immediately:
Aero Body:
The current 2020 Aero Bodies as homologated by the chassis manufacturers at the 2020 Qatar GP, plus any version homologated in 2019, will be frozen until the end of the 2021 season. No further upgrades are permitted.
Frame and Swingarm:
– Each chassis manufacturer may submit any current or previously used frame or swingarm for homologation. These designs will be frozen until the end of the 2021 season, with no further specifications permitted.
– Each Team will then be required to declare a maximum of 2 specifications of frame and swingarm per rider from their chassis manufacturer homologation list. Any replacement or substitute rider will be required to use only the declared parts for the rider they are replacing.
Moto3 CLASS:
Currently in the Moto3 class, the manufacturers must provide all their riders with the same full bike. Until now, riders were allowed to choose two gear ratios per season.
The GPC has approved the following changes effective immediately:
– Bike specification, as declared by each manufacturer at the Qatar GP 2020, will be frozen for the 2020 and the 2021 seasons, meaning no further upgrades will be permitted on any listed performance parts, chassis, swingarm, engine, aero body, gearbox or throttle body.
– The GPC has also approved the number of engines each rider is allowed to use with respect to possible revised calendars for both 2020 and 2021. These will be published within the revised regulations.
Moto2 AND Moto3 CLASSES:
Ride height devices banned:
Ride height devices, to aid the rider during the start of the race, are permitted within the current rules for MotoGP. However, due to possible high development cost that these devices could require, it is felt that this technology does not fit within the ethos of both Moto3 and Moto2 of a cost-effective Championship.
Therefore, the such technology is banned for these two categories, with immediate effect. The use of any device that modifies or adjusts the motorcycle’s ride height while it is moving is forbidden, with the only exception being mechanical/hydraulic suspensions spring preload adjusters, directly operated by the rider.
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