MotoGP bosses are proposing an additional set of rules to run alongside the existing Factory and Open categories which would see Ducati’s advantage in the Open class reduced should they start to win races or get on the podium.

Currently, Factory Honda and Yamaha bikes competie with a 20 litre fuel capacity limit, five engines sealed at the beginning of the season and without the extra-soft tyre. The Open entries have 24 litres of fuel, 12 non-sealed engines and a softer tyre option - meaning they are allowed to develop their engines over the course of the year.

“The proposal which has been made relates to Open entry manufacturers achieving podium results, specifically three third positions, two second places or one victory, in dry race conditions. They would then have certain limitations applied relating to the Open class (22.5 litres of fuel reduced from 24) and less engines available (the total reduced from 12 to 9),” said Dorna Managing Director Javier Alonso.

“We looked at the Sepang test results, especially the second test, and it’s clear that of the two software versions used, the second developed by Magneti Marelli offers great performance. The fact is that the only manufacturer ready to use that software is Ducati. That gives them some advantage when combined with the Open rules, so we have therefore made this plan to the GP Commission, to find a balance which does not give one manufacturer too much of an advantage.”