Single tyre rule for 2009 MotoGP
Added on Sunday, September 28th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Single tyre rule for 2009 MotoGP
The FIM and Dorna have declared that the MotoGP championship will become a single-tyre competition as of 2009.
From next season, just one tyre supplier will be given exclusive rights to supply the entire MotoGP paddock, with the manufacturer due to be announced on or before October 18.
The move comes after Michelin, one of two suppliers currently supplying the competition, recieved harsh criticism from teams and riders mid-way through the season following poor results at Laguna Seca and suspicions of a boycott of the Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno in round twelve as riders cited a lack of confidence in the French manufacturer’s rubber. The dispute eventually led to Honda rider Dani Pedrosa ditching Michelin in favour of Bridgestone tyres.
In an official statement, Dorna Chairman Carmelo Ezpeleta said: “We postponed the decision until today so that we could get more ideas and opinions about it. Finally we decided, the Grand Prix Commission, unanimously, for safety reasons and to reduce costs that we would go to a one tyre rule.
“Now the FIM ask for a tender, which means that the tyre manufacturers who are interested in competing for the tender must send their offers before next Saturday.
“From there we will study the different offers and then no later than 18th October the Grand Prix Commission will decide who will supply the tyres.ยด
Manufacturers have until October 3 to pitch for the rights to supply the paddock for next season, with Bridgestone the favourite having supplied the majority of the paddock this season.
Pirelli, who are the sole suppliers to the World Superbikes championship and Dunlop, suppliers to the 125 and 250cc class, are also expected to make an approach along with Michelin.
What do you think about the decision to move to a single tyre championship? Talk about the issue in the Insidebikes forum.
