MotoGP riders to test new bike swap system after Silverstone FP2

During the recent Czech Grand Prix, Aleix Espargaro was released into the path of Andrea Iannone, causing the Suzuki rider to fall in a busy pitlane as several riders switched to slick tyre-shod bikes early in the race.

While teams and riders have been unable to agree on an ideal solution to make bike changes safer, a suggestion has been put forward to slow the process down that will be tried at the end of FP2.

Under the proposed system riders will be instructed to park their first bike in a specific position behind the second bike, with clearer instructions on when they can turn into their pit bay.

There is also a specific position where the second bike must be waiting, meaning it will no longer be possible for riders to park alongside the new bike to hop straight from one to the other.

A team member must also be present with a lollipop "to observe pitlane traffic during the bike swap and ensure his/her rider is released safely", according to a statement from MotoGP organisers.

Several riders are not convinced by the new solution, which will be discussed in the MotoGP safety commission after the trial.

"I don't think they should change it - if you crash in pitlane it's your own fault," said Cal Crutchlow.

"It's part of racing. If you make a fantastic pitstop without crashing, and you get out and win the race, you've made a good job.

"The mechanics, if they don't want to be in the pitlane, they can put another mechanic in there, but I've never seen a mechanic say "I'm not going in the pitlane."

The change eliminates the possibility for the quick bike swaps Marc Marquez has mastered in the 'flag-to-flag' era of races, and the reigning world champion said "on paper I don't like" the idea.

However, he said he would reserve judgement until he has tried the new system.

Fellow title contender Andrea Dovizioso added: "In the safety commission we suggested a lot of things but we couldn't find one solution for all the riders.

"So the teams try to find a solution which we will try.

"In any situation [that was suggested] not everybody is happy, so it's good to try something, and after that we will speak about the positive and negative and we will take a decision."