British Superbike bosses have increased the minimum weight of twin-cylinder bikes in the series in an attempt to either stop Airwaves Ducati running away with the championship or to halt any more high-speed engine failures, the choice is yours...
The new minimum weight for twins is 175kg, which has been raised by ten kilos. In a statement released this afternoon, the MCRCB and Motorsportvision said:
"After carrying out a detailed review of the performance of the twin cylinder and four cylinder machines over the first three 2008 BSB events, MCRCB consider the twin cylinder machines have enjoyed a competitive advantage and has authorised the modification of the minimum 165kg weight limit regulation for both twin and four cylinder machines by applying an increased new minimum weight limit of 175kg for twin cylinder 1200cc motorcycles."
The news comes after some team managers wanted a review of the rules on safety grounds. Tom Sykes' Rizla Suzuki blew up in spectacular fashion at Brands Hatch, prompting speculation the engines were being worked too hard in an attempt to gain top speed.
Figures from the speed trap on the Brands Hatch start/finish straight show there to be some discrepancy, with Cal Crutchlow and Leon Haslam hitting 160mph while Shane Byrne was seeing 158.3 and Tom Sykes 157.9. The Ducatis of Michael Rutter and John Laverty were considerably slower at 155mph and 152mph respectively.
The statement also said: "With engine tuning freedom still currently not including any maximum rpm limit, it is clearly the responsibility of the teams to ensure that no excessive tuning is undertaken which may over-stress components and significantly compromise reliability and safety through component failure, as in any category from club racing to MotoGP."
Rizla Suzuki team manager Jack Valentine said: "I am pleased to see the MCRCB is doing as it said and reviewing the rules after three races. I am in full support of the decision."