Photo: motogp.com
The MotoGP class remains the only one where aerodynamic winglets will be permitted, at least for now, the Grand Prix Commission says. During an online meeting held on May 11, the GPC, comprised of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Ignacio Verneda (FIM CEO), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA) agreed upon banning the winglets from Moto3, as well.
The first decision was made back in March this year, when the GPC installed an immediate ban on aerodynamic winglets in the Moto2 class, with these accessories still permitted in Moto3 until the end of the current season.
The GPC reviewed that decision and imposed a ban with immediate effect on the winglets in Moto3 as well. However, it was the Manufacturers in the Moto3 Working Group who unanimously asked for this regulation modification, but the exact reasons that led to this request are still a thing of mystery that will most likely be cleared at a later time.
Until the GPC confirmed the ban on the winglets, the technical rulebook read:
The premier class machines can retain the winglets, with the provision that they remain fixed and comply with the rest of the technical specifications. Their presence in MotoGP was first linked to the fact that the unified/spec ECU software all the machines on the grid are running now is less sophisticated than the software factory bikes used back in the day.
Because of the simplified software, the mechanics can no longer rely on the former complex solutions to mitigate the wheelie effect under hard acceleration on turn exit. Basically, the manufacturers say that the front end of the MotoGP bikes is now a bit harder to keep on the road.
It's not clear yet if and for how long these winglets will last in the premier class, as there are certain suspicions that they might not be as safe as they look.
The GPC reviewed that decision and imposed a ban with immediate effect on the winglets in Moto3 as well. However, it was the Manufacturers in the Moto3 Working Group who unanimously asked for this regulation modification, but the exact reasons that led to this request are still a thing of mystery that will most likely be cleared at a later time.
Until the GPC confirmed the ban on the winglets, the technical rulebook read:
- All edges of any wings fitted must have a minimum radius of 2.5 mm.
- Moving aerodynamic devices are prohibited.
- Note that for the 2017 season, aerodynamic wings will be prohibited and the following regulation will apply:
- It is not permitted to add any device or shape to the fairing or bodywork that is not integrated in the body streamlining (eg. wings, fins, bulges, etc.), that may provide an aerodynamic effect (eg. providing downforce, disrupting aerodynamic wake, etc.).
- The Technical Director will be the sole judge of whether a device or fairing design falls into the above definition.
The premier class machines can retain the winglets, with the provision that they remain fixed and comply with the rest of the technical specifications. Their presence in MotoGP was first linked to the fact that the unified/spec ECU software all the machines on the grid are running now is less sophisticated than the software factory bikes used back in the day.
Because of the simplified software, the mechanics can no longer rely on the former complex solutions to mitigate the wheelie effect under hard acceleration on turn exit. Basically, the manufacturers say that the front end of the MotoGP bikes is now a bit harder to keep on the road.
It's not clear yet if and for how long these winglets will last in the premier class, as there are certain suspicions that they might not be as safe as they look.
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