Moto3 engine crackdown for 2014

As well as MotoGP rule amendments, the Qatar Grand Prix Commission meeting also announced changes for the Moto3 and Moto2 categories from 2014.

While Moto2 will only see a change to the testing regulations, the engine rules will be changed for the junior Moto3 category to reduce costs and ensure that all riders with each brand get the same engine specification.

Unlike Moto2, where all competitors use a Honda built-control engine, Moto3 has open engine competition...

Moto3 Class - 2014:
Changes to the regulations concerning supply of engines for the Moto3 class were approved. The objective is to reduce the cost of the engine programme for the teams and to ensure that there is equality of performance between engines supplied by the same manufacturer.

With effect from 2014 engines will be provided to Championship Organiser by the manufacturers in three batches during the season. The engines will be sealed and distributed randomly by the Technical Director and will become the property of the teams, with no requirement for them to be returned under any "service contract".

When an engine has completed the normal cycle of use it will be replaced by another sealed engine and it is anticipated that the six engines will be more than sufficient for the season.

At the end of the season the team then owns six engines with only minimal mileage accrued which can be used for testing or sold on. The fixed cost for the engine package is EUR68,000.

The concession to allow timing chain replacement on Honda engines at regular intervals, which involves supervised breaking of the engine seals, will be extended until the end of 2014.

With effect from 2015 the maximum revs permitted for Moto3 machines will be reduced from 14,000 RPM to 13,500 RPM and the timing chain replacement concession will be cancelled.

Testing Regulations - Moto3 and Moto2 classes
Changes to testing regulations for the Moto3 and Moto2 classes were also approved. Testing is now permitted as follows:

At any circuit, with any riders, between the final GP and 30 November.

Three pre-season official tests, but only with contracted riders, at circuits in Europe nominated by Dorna/IRTA.

Teams may also designate one GP circuit and one non-GP circuit where they may test at any time from 01 February onwards with any riders, but not within 14 days of an event at the circuit.

Teams may also participate in tests held on Mondays and/or Tuesdays after events in Europe when these days are not required for MotoGP class testing.

Any activity authorised by Race Direction.

No testing is permitted between 01 December and 31 January, both dates being inclusive.