Things are getting a little bigger in MotoGP in two years.
Starting in 2016, MotoGP teams will have a few new rules to abide by as a result of Bridgestone withdrawing as the spec tire manufacturer for the motorcycle racing series. The 2016 season will require racers to utilize 17 inch wheels, up 0.5 inches from the current size, as well as spec ECU hardware and software throughout the field.
The new 17 inch wheels regulations come after Bridgestone announced that it would no longer be the spec tire manufacturer for MotoGP in May of 2014. Michelin quickly jumped at the chance and is scheduled to take over duties as the spec tire manufacturer staring in 2016. As part of the move, Michelin requested that MotoGP use standard 17 inch wheels as opposed to the 16.5 inch wheels currently used, prompting the Grand Prix Commission to make it a regulation that will go into effect starting with the 2016 season.
The decision to delay the change in wheel size stems from the Grand Prix Commission believing that it was too expensive to request teams to purchase new rims on short notice.
Other regulations were also chosen to be implemented by the Grand Prix Comission for the 2016 season to make the MotoGP series more competitive and entertaining. Along with the change to 17 inch wheels, the commission also added that new standard spec ECU hardware and software be implemented for the 2016 season.
The changes to the MotoGP along with a few new regulations will take place in 2016 while Moto3 and Moto2 machines will continue their homologation schedule in 2015.
