In addition, there is also what could be called a new 'Ben Spies rule'. This states that, if Bridgestone wants to hold a tyre test at a new or resurfaced circuit before the grand prix weekend (to ensure it brings suitable tyres to the event), then “any rider participating in such a test can not participate in the grand prix at that circuit.”

Official MotoGP riders are already banned from such tests, but a previous loophole allowed AMA champion Spies to take part in this year's Indianapolis tyre test for Rizla Suzuki - then return as a wild-card for the grand prix.


New MotoGP tyre rules in full:

2.9 Tyre restrictions for MotoGP

2.9.1 In the MotoGP class, only tyres from the official appointed tyre supplier may be used in a Grand Prix event, including official MotoGP tests.

The official tyre supplier will provide sufficient tyres for all riders entered in the event.

The tyre specifications available at each event will be determined by the tyre supplier. Identical tyres of each specification must be available to every rider, and the allocated quantities of each specification of tyre will be the same for every rider.

2.9.2 On the day prior to the start of official practice, the tyre supplier must provide to the Technical Director details including specifications, quantities and the identification markings of the tyres available for that event.

The Technical Director and staff will allocate the tyres available for the exclusive use of each entered rider (as described in Article 2.9.3). The allocation of individual tyres will be made on a random basis with no involvement of any representative from the tyre supplier, teams or riders.

This allocation should be completed by 12.00 hrs of the same day and no further allocation of tyres is allowed after 17.00 hrs. on the day prior to the start of official practice (except under Art. 2.9.7 or 2.9.8).

In the case of a rider change after the tyre allocation has been made, the replacement rider must use only the tyres allocated to the original rider.

2.9.3 For Grand Prix race events, each rider will be restricted in the quantity and specification of tyres that they may use at a single race event as follows:

During all practice sessions, warm up and the race a maximum of 20 slick tyres,
specifically
Front slick tyres: 4 of Specification “A” + 4 of Specification “B” = 8 in total
Rear slick tyres: 6 of Specification “A” + 6 of Specification “B” = 12 in total

During all practice sessions, warm up and the race a maximum of 8 wet tyres,
specifically
Front wet tyres: 4 of the standard specification
Rear wet tyres: 4 of the standard specification

The tyre supplier may allocate 1 extra set (1 front + 1 rear) of wet tyres to every rider, should this be deemed necessary by Race Direction due to weather conditions at the event. Specifically in the case of every practice session being fully wet, requiring the use of wet tyres, 1 extra set of wet tyres will be allocated to every rider for the race.