MotoGP™ Rookie Rule reconsidered for 2013

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta outlined at the Hertz British Grand Prix last weekend at Silverstone the reasons why the proposed Rookie Rule change for 2013 is being debated within the Grand Prix Commission.

Ezpeleta explained that the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association) first brought up the subject of scrapping the Rookie Rule, which prevents any non MotoGP rider going straight into a factory team, at the Jerez round of the MotoGP championship on the 29 April.

The Rule was created back in 2008 to protect the interest of the independent teams, yet, as Ezpeleta explained, a shift in balance between bikes with the new CRT rule has thrown up new issues that need to be addressed to create a balanced talent pool over the coming years.

Thus, after further rallying by the MSMA and numerous talks between Dorna and the satellite teams, a joint proposal has been put forward to the Grand Prix Commission to scrap the Rookie Rule for next year. Ezpeleta said that the satellite teams actually feel they can benefit from the change as well, as they would have a greater chance to retain the services of their existing riders, while factory teams have a much increased rider selection to choose from.

Whilst Dorna, the FIM, IRTA and the MSMA have agreed in principle that the rule should be abandoned, it is still subject to final approval by the Grand Prix Commission.

Watch the full video of Carmelo Ezpeleta talking about the Rookie Rule on motogp.com.