MotoGP explains stricter aero regulations and 'check-in box' for 2019
MotoGP has moved to clarify its stricter aerodynamic regulations for 2019, with a "check-in box" to be used to test the legality of the new designs

The championship announced a new set of rules surrounding aero fairings in July, most notably banning the practice of manufacturers using bodywork with removable parts that can be added at certain tracks depending on their aerodynamic requirements.
It was also confirmed that fairing designs would be subject to "new limitations" in size, which were left undefined.
Now MotoGP technical director Danny Aldridge has specified the exact changes, and he says a new airline-style metal box will be used to check that fairings comply to the new limits.
"We have restricted the aero-body in size to some extent," said Aldridge. "Whereas before it was 600mm all the way through, from top to bottom, we now have a new dimension that the bike must fit.
"The top area is still 600mm. The lowest section, below 550mm [off the ground] is 550mm wide, above 550mm is 600mm wide.
"The way we will control is we will build a check-in box, basically the bike will have to fit inside this structure. It is a box that's within the parameters of the regulations.
"What we've agreed with the manufacturers, we will more likely push the check-in box onto the bike, rather than the other way round.

"The bike will stay in position, the forks will be set at a certain length, and the back wheel will be slightly off by a maximum of 2 or 3mm, and then we will push the check-in box in.
"If the bike fits inside, it's within the rules; if it doesn't fit, it's technically illegal."
Aldridge said that not all of the existing fairings will fit the new dimensions, but refused to be drawn on which manufacturers would have to modify their designs.
MotoGP teams this year were restricted to one 'evolution' fairing on top of their base design, which could be introduced at any point in the year - something Honda and Ducati have taken advantage of.
Aldridge confirmed this will continue to be the case next season, although the front fender may be changed independently of the main part of the fairing.
"As per 2018, manufacturers will still be permitted one upgrade of the fairing per season," he said. "The manufacturer has the right to upgrade as and when they wish.
"The aero body is defined in two parts; the main fairing and then the front fender. They have the option to upgrade the main fairing and the front fender at separate times."

Previous article
LCR's Crutchlow gets extended factory Honda MotoGP deal until 2020
Next article
Alvaro Bautista to leave MotoGP for Ducati World Superbike team

About this article
Series | MotoGP |
Teams | AB Motoracing |
Author | Jamie Klein |
MotoGP explains stricter aero regulations and 'check-in box' for 2019
Trending
Where does Honda's new MotoGP signing sit ahead of its king's return?
Pol Espargaro’s first results as a Honda MotoGP rider may not appear special. But dig a little deeper and a clearer picture of his performance emerges. And, as Lewis Duncan writes, it’s cause for celebration at Honda with the return of Marc Marquez set to provide Espargaro with the reference he has been missing so far this year
The "pit bull" MotoGP rookie already drawing legendary comparisons
MotoGP’s 2021 rookie crop is one of the strongest in recent years, but one is already standing out. Jorge Martin’s Doha GP heroics have courted many to compare him to numerous MotoGP legends. Autosport spoke to Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti to find out why MotoGP’s latest Spanish star is already making such an impact
Why MotoGP's stewards must revisit Miller and Mir's Losail clash
Despite Suzuki’s decision not to appeal against Race Direction’s refusal to penalise Jack Miller following the incident with Joan Mir in Losail, something must be done to avoid a repeat of such an incident, which could have easily ended in tragedy
Has Yamaha banished its demons with its 2021 MotoGP bike?
Against the expected run of play at Qatar's Losail circuit, both Yamaha riders Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo carved through a resolute Ducati defence to secure back-to-back MotoGP wins for the Japanese marque. After a difficult 2020, it appears that Yamaha has swaggered back into championship contention
Why MotoGP’s top gun looks more dangerous at the Doha GP
Lightning hasn't struck twice for Maverick Vinales since 2017 and his wayward form of recent years makes predicting how he'll fare each MotoGP race weekend tricky. But fresh from his Qatar GP win, Vinales looks like an even more dangerous prospect for the Doha GP following an intriguing Friday practice
Why MotoGP’s new Amazon series is long overdue
OPINION: MotoGP is getting its own version of Drive to Survive on Amazon Prime at some point in the near future. It was news welcomed by the grid’s leading riders. And following the impact DTS has had on Formula 1, MotoGP desperately needs the same boost.
Did the Qatar GP hint at Ducati’s true MotoGP leader?
OPINION: Johann Zarco talked a big game pre-season, and is so far vindicating himself as a factory rider at Pramac after finishing the Qatar GP as top Ducati in second. And contrasting his and Jack Miller's weekends and their approaches, is Zarco emerging as Ducati's true MotoGP leader?
The key changes behind the latest 'return of the Mack'
Maverick Vinales’s authoritative victory at the MotoGP season opener came during a period of personal and professional change for the Yamaha rider. Can it be the springboard for a title challenge?