The FIM has just announced the conclusion of today’s meeting on cost cutting measures. First is the cancellation of one Friday Free Practice and a shortened time for the remaining sessions, including the Qualifying Practice, to 45 minutes from 60 minutes.

Next is the announcement that from the Czech GP on, teams will be limited to five engines for the duration of eight races. Included in this rule is a ban on changing parts in the engine except for those required to perform daily maintenance. No word on penalty if this rule is broken. Since the Czech GP is nine races from the end of the season, this rule pretty much cuts out new engines for the second half of the year.

Also included is a ban on launch control, which is in my opinion, long overdue and should see more even starts along the grid. A ban on ceramic braking components, computer controlled suspension, and more regulations on mid-season testing.

Read the full Press Release issued by the FIM below.

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Messrs Vito Ippolito (FIM President), Ignacio Verneda (FIM Sport Director), Javier Alonso (Dorna) and M. Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on February 18 in FIM Headquarters in Mies, unanimously decided to introduce the following amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations – immediate application.

1. Standard time schedule (local time)
Friday
13:05-13:45        125cc Free Practice 1
14:05-14:50        MotoGP Free Practice 1
15:05-15:50        250cc Free Practice 1

Saturday
09:05-09:45        125cc Free Practice 2
10:05-10:50        MotoGP Free Practice 2
11:05-11:50        250cc Free Practice 2

13:05-13:45        125cc Qualifying Practice
14:05-14:50        MotoGP Qualifying Practice
15:05-15:50        250cc Qualifying Practice

Sunday
08:40-09:00        125cc Warm Up
09:10-09:30        250cc Warm Up
09:40-10:00        MotoGP Warm Up
11:00                  125cc Race
12:15                  250cc  Race
14:00                  MotoGP Race

2. From the Czech GP, a maximum of 5 engines can be used in 8 races. No changing of parts will be permitted except daily maintenance.

3. Ceramic composite materials are not permitted for brake discs or pads.

4. Launch control system is not permitted.

5. Electronic controlled suspension is not permitted.

6. Only 2 post race tests at Catalunya and Czech GP for development purposes using test riders only are permitted.