MotoGP rule changes

The rule changes were announced by the Grand Prix Commission following an FIM meeting in Geneva.

The global financial crisis has already seen the withdrawal of Kawasaki's factory team, reducing the 2009 field to just four manufacturers and 17 riders.

In response to the spiralling costs of recent times, there will be a reduction in track and test time; a limit on engine changes; and bans launch control, electronic suspension and ceramic composite materials for brake discs or pads.

Running costs were the most easily influenced area for the regulators to target, given that much of the 2009 season machinery has already been built ahead of the April start.

These will be lowered by cutting track time during a grand prix weekend, limiting post-race tests and extending engine life during the second half of the season.

GP track time will be reduced by cancelling the Friday morning free practice session - for all three classes - and reducing the three remaining MotoGP practice sessions - including qualifying - from one hour to 45 minutes. Warm-up time and race distance are unchanged.

Post-race testing will be allowed on just two occasions: after Catalunya on June 14 and the Czech GP on August 16. Only test riders will be permitted to perform this.

Engine life will be extended by limiting each rider to five engines for the final eight rounds of 2009.

Further rule changes for the 2010 season, including the possible banning of spare bikes, are still to be decided upon.