From MotoGP files

With the main objective of preventing any more escalation of costs in the series, a number of rules have been ratified by the FIM, motorcycling governing body.

Everyone in the sport, manufacturer as well as the tyre companies, agree that new steps should be taken to avoid any rises in the finances needed to participate in the sport.

First, a new testing regulation implies that all tyre companies will now be limited in the amount of running they are able to do prior to events. Under the previous regulations, tyre companies could run at Grand Prix tracks with a road bike on MotoGP tyres. From now on, they will be limited to test at only one nominated testing venue for four days per year, and without regular team riders.

Secondly, new rules will outlaw the possibility of a manufacturer exploiting the area of oval pistons - which could have led to a big rise in costs if this avenue was followed.

Additionally, a new rule will state that a rider will be deemed to have retired if he enters his bike into the pit garage during a race.

Finally, the maximum height for the seat will also be defined and enforced as the new regulations state that the seat unit shall have a maximum height of the (approximately) vertical section behind the rider's seating position of 150mm.