MotoGP finalises 2016 engine, software and concession rules

After several years of a split between Factory and Open (formerly CRT) rules, the field will be unified when a control ECU is introduced from next season.

Motorcycle racing's governing body, the FIM, announced that the spec electronics will be based on the version used in the Open class at present.

Should Ducati, Honda and Yamaha all agree unanimously on a change to the ECU between July this year and the end of 2016, the FIM will permit it provided the manufacturers bear the cost.

Conversely any changes to the ECU requested by the organisers cannot take place without unanimous agreement from the three leading manufacturers.

The current limit of five engines per rider per season before penalty changes to seven, with a fuel limit of 22 litres per race and development still frozen.

The system under which manufacturers who have not won since the start of 2013 benefit from fuel, testing and tyre use allowances - rules breaks that Ducati and Suzuki currently receive - is retained but adjusted to become a 'concession points' system.

Three concession points are earned for a win, two for second and one for third place - allowing teams benefiting from concessions that achieve success to steadily lose their advantages.

"In 2015 a manufacturer achieving three concession points in dry races must immediately reduce fuel tank capacity from 24 litres to 22 litres," said an FIM statement.

"In 2016 a manufacturer achieving six concession points in dry or wet conditions will immediately lose the right to test with contracted riders and will lose all concessions from the following season."

But the system will also be used to give concession back to teams that achieve poor results.

The statement added: "With effect from the 2016 season, any manufacturer who gains no concession points, (effectively meaning no podium places), will benefit from the full package of concessions in the following season."

The FIM also clarified that the present rule under which concession-benefiting teams lose their softer-tyre and extra testing permissions if they win three grands prix in dry conditions remains in place.