After a statistical study of race results over recent races, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has announced a 3kg reduction in minimum weight for twin cylinder machines in the SBK, now set at 162kg – the same as 1000cc four cylinder machines.

The twins do keep their 200cc displacement advantage and other specific engine component rules to ensure their competitiveness against the more powerful 1000cc fours from Japan and Europe. This “advantage” had come as a result of Ducati claiming that the expense of building winning 1000cc twins was too high(Light components to survive high revs), and settled for 200cc and 3kg allowances to help them reduce costs and continue to participate in the SBK Championship.

This weight rule adjustment means that Ducati will claw back some of their current disadvantage over their competition – a good thing as their 2010 season has not matched their better years with Noriyuke Haga and Troy Bayliss aboard the bikes.

No word yet from the manufacturers of Liter bike, who have collectively spent millions to beat the Ducs and win, and now see a mid-season rules change that will close up the field.