The MotoGP™ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is ready to be implemented! Following a request from the MotoGP™ Technical Director, the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards have confirmed that the system will now be enforced for both the Tissot Sprint and the MotoGP™ Grand Prix race, starting from the Monster Energy British Grand Prix.
Technical infringements normally result in disqualification from the session or race, but as the system is new to the MotoGP™ Class and it’s being brought in mid-season, the Stewards have agreed a gradual penalty scale. To make sure the penalties apply to the actual Sprint or Grand Prix race where the tyre pressure doesn’t comply, they will be time penalties given out after the race.
Here’s the scale:
· 1st offense: Warning
· 2nd offense: 3-second time penalty
· 3rd offense: 6-second time penalty
· 4th offense: 12-second time penalty
Once teams have become familiar with the system, the target is to apply the standard penalty for Technical Infringements: disqualification. But not yet! From Silverstone and until further notice, the scale above will be used.
Want to know more? Here are some FAQs:
What is the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System?
It’s a new tyre pressure monitoring system designed to ensure that all MotoGP™ machines comply with the pressures established by MotoGP™ Official Tyre Supplier, Michelin. Tyre pressure is a very sensitive value and readings fluctuate a lot during a race, and even at different points of the circuit. In addition, in this first phase of the system being used, the sensors have to be checked before and after the race to make sure they are tuned correctly. Previously, teams were using their own sensors from different suppliers to check tyre pressures. Now there is one unified system for the whole MotoGP™ grid.
The system agreed with the manufacturers is that the tyres have to be above a specific pressure during a minimum percentage of the laps in a Sprint or race. The minimum pressure varies from front to rear tyre, and may change from some circuits to others.
How has it been tested?
Throughout 2022, all premier class manufacturers agreed to freely share complete tyre data after each event in order to develop this unified system. Then the system was tested throughout the first part of 2023 to validate it and make sure it’s reliable.
Why now?
As agreed with the MSMA – the manufacturers association – the unified system was not to be introduced before Jerez 2023 at the earliest. Testing continued throughout the Spanish and French GPs, as well as during the triple header as MotoGP™ raced at Mugello, the Sachsenring and Assen. The system is now ready to be enforced, so that will begin at the British GP.
Is it just for MotoGP™?
Yes, this new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and its enforcement only applies for the MotoGP™ class.
However, there is a minimum tyre pressure in the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes as well, and in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship.
Does it apply in every session?
Not in this first phase of it being introduced. When it’s implemented from the British GP, it will apply only to the Tissot Sprint and the MotoGP™ Grand Prix race.
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