A six-kilo weight penalty which Althea Ducati's Carlos Checa blames for his inability to keep tabs on the World Superbike opposition this season has been abolished.

New rules revealed today will see both twins and four-cylinder bikes under the same 165kg minimum weight for 2013 but with a provision for addition of weight and then air restrictors should the Ducatis gain an advantage during the season.

Bikesport's governing body, the FIM, issued this:

Minimum weight :

1200 cc 2 cylinders: 165 kg

1000 cc 3 and 4 cylinders: 165 kg

Balancing various motorcycle concepts:

For 1200 cc 2 cylinders: The minimum weight may be increased twice by 3 kg reaching a weight of 168 kg and 171 kg respectively.

The upper limit is 171 kg. If this measure proves to be insufficient, then the air restrictor handicap will be applied according to the relevant provisions described in Art

2.4.8.1.3.