New cost-cutting rule could have huge change on MotoGP

Results like Sunday’s Catalunya MotoGP might not be possible from 2027 if reports are to be confirmed. 

According to Motorsport.com, MotoGP is considering dropping the current two bikes per rider rule in favour of just one to primarily reduce costs. This could have a major impact in many ways, as riders typically use their second machine if they switch bikes during a flag-to-flag race, or in practice sessions when they‘ve crashed and damaged their first bike. 

In Barcelona last Sunday, Fabio di Giannantonio won the race using his second bike after sustaining damage prior to the first race stoppage. Pedro Acosta also took part in the restarted Grand Prix with his second machine, after encountering a technical issue on his first bike prior to the first red flag. Both of those scenarios would not be possible under the potential new rule.  

It also means that rider mistakes would be a lot more costly than before, especially in qualifying or race conditions unless their crash causes little-to-no damage. However, that’s not usually the case, so it would add more pressure for the riders.

The report also goes on to say that the proposal was initiated by manufacturers, although a change to the sporting rules would have to be approved by the Grand Prix Commission.

In terms of other major motorsport world championships, MotoGP is somewhat of an outlier because Formula 1 and WorldSBK do not have a two car per driver, or two bike per rider rule. 

Only one bike is used per rider in WorldSBK, although a spare one is available per team if it becomes too damaged. However, the use of a spare bike can only be granted by technical direction and once the spare bike has been built and used in a session the rider cannot go back to the primary bike for the remainder of the weekend.

MotoGP also acts upon different rules to its junior categories, as both Moto3 and Moto2 have been operating on a one bike per rider rule since 2010. 

We’ll bring you more information on this potential rule change if it does get confirmed by MotoGP.

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