Further restrictions in MotoGP testing – aimed at cutting the advantage of big-budget factory teams – were announced on the eve of the Australian GP, with the number of tests and their timing restricted more than at present from the 2019 season.
The news came after a Motegi meeting of the GP Commission.
Although next season’s testing schedule is similar to this year’s, with two days at Valencia after the final round, three three-day tests out of Europe after the winter test ban, and five days of private testing for each team; new rules prevent tests at any GP circuit for two weeks either side of the event.
This year Ducati pre-tested at Misano, and Honda at Brno, shortly before the race.
For the 2019 season, which begins in November 2018, more cuts come into effect. There will be only two official three-day pre-season tests; while teams must use two of their five days before the winter test ban at the start of December.
The commission also ruled that from next season leathers fitted with approved air-bag systems will be compulsory for all classes; laid down rules restricting Moto2 chassis manufacturers to ten days of testing with the Triumph engines that will take over from Honda in 2019; and restricted factory teams to three wild card entries per annum.
