2009/2010 MotoGP rule changes defined.

On Saturday at Jerez, the FIM and Dorna gave a further update on the MotoGP rule changes, aimed at cutting costs during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

In mid-February, in response to the withdraw of Kawasaki and growing pressure on the remaining MotoGP manufacturers to reduce costs, the Grand Prix Commission announced six immediate rule changes for the 2009 season.

Those changes, which were aimed at lowering maintenance and running costs, consisted of: The removal of Friday morning practice whilst reducing the three remaining sessions from one hour to 45 minutes; a maximum of 5 engines for the final 8 races; banning of ceramic composite brakes; banning of launch control; banning of electronic suspension and only two post-race tests during the season.

Further rule changes were then to be discussed for the 2010 season.

Those 2010 rule changes - plus an update on the 2009 restrictions - were duly announced by FIM president Vito Ippolito during a press conference at the final MotoGP pre-season test:

"The first change is about the use of the engines, as you know," said Ippolito. "Now a rider can use five engines for the final seven races [after the cancellation of Hungary], from Brno to Valencia of this year. A rider can then use six engines for the whole of next year, 2010.

"The teams and manufacturers also agreed to reduce the tests. This year and next year we will have only eight days of testing.

"For the next season, 2010, we have also some important changes. The first of them is that we will have only one machine [per rider, meaning no spare bike] during each MotoGP event, from two machines that are allowed now.

"For next year we will also change some regulations for entry into the MotoGP class; new riders will not be allowed to participate in a factory team. The new riders from 250cc class or Moto2 or any other championship arriving to MotoGP will be allowed to participate only in private or satellite teams.

"In Moto2, there is a proposal coming from the manufacturers to have one make engine regulation. That means that we will have [only] one engine brand in Moto2 class."

The penalty for breaking the MotoGP engine change rule will be a loss of 10 points.