Mixed reaction to 'two-tier' ECU proposals

"For software development and what goes into the software we do not have a vote"
Mixed reaction to 'two-tier' ECU proposals

The MSMA system for deciding on software proposals for the 2016 MotoGP ECU appears to favour Honda, Yamaha and Ducati.

Input and ongoing development by the factories was essential for gaining agreement on the compulsory introduction of the single electronics.

MotoGP technical director Corrado Cecchinelli and his team of Magneti-Marelli engineers, who will write the ECU software, have made clear they will only communicate with one representative of the Manufacturers' Association (MSMA). Not with individual manufacturers.

That means it is up to the MSMA to decide which proposals, from the five manufacturers, are passed on for inclusion in the single software.

However when those discussions take place Suzuki and Aprilia - returning to MotoGP this season - will not be able to vote. By contrast any Honda, Yamaha or Ducati proposal is expected to be passed on, since any attempt to block a proposal by a rival would result in a tit-for-tat retaliation.

The system was apparently agreed by the other manufacturers before Suzuki and Aprilia were reinstated as MSMA members. The situation only applies to software proposals. Suzuki and Aprilia now have normal voting rights on other MSMA issues.

"We can make proposals. But the three members who can vote for these things are Honda, Yamaha and Ducati. Just for software development and what goes into the software we do not have a vote. It's politics," said a representative of one of the new manufacturers, adding that they will definitely try to change the system.

Also speaking to Crash.net at the final Sepang test, a senior figure at the other new manufacturer was less concerned, pointing out that the software proposals made by Honda, Yamaha and Ducati are likely to cover their own requirements anyway.

A software freeze will come into force on July 1, after which Honda, Yamaha and Ducati must halt work on their own factory systems and concentrate on joint-development of the 2016 ECU. Aprilia and Suzuki are not subject to the software freeze.

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