MotoGP Updates Private Testing Rules and Non-Factory Machine Lease Regulations for 2014 Season

The Grand Prix Commission made some revisions to its regulations for the 2014 MotoGP season, allowing manufacturers to hold more private tests while further defining the non-factory status of leased racing machines.

Starting with the 2014 season, manufacturers and contracted riders will be allowed a maximum of five days of private testing during the season at a nominated circuit. Current regulations only for in-season testing at officially designated post-race tests organized by MotoGP promoter Dorna. The five days of testing will give teams more time to develop new updates with their principal riders.

The Grand Prix Commission also refined a rule clarifying the status of satellite teams with the series’ new non-factory machine rules. Both types of teams will be allowed to lease machines from manufacturers, and some teams may enter both a factory machine and a non-factory machine which may cause some confusion.

The previous regulations allowed manufacturers to enter two factory riders and lease up to two more motorcycles to independent satellite teams. Under the new rules, manufacturers will still be allowed two direct factory entries while leasing machines two factory-spec machines to independent teams. Manufacturers will also be allowed to lease additional machines to teams under the new non-factory category.

These non-factory racers will be allowed 24 liters of fuel per race, compared to just 20 liters for factory entries. Non-factory teams will however be required to use the official spec ECU software. Satellite teams will run under factory status with 20 liters per race and the ability to use their own software.

[Source: FIM]