MotoGP : The adage holds that a good compromise leaves everyone displeased with some aspect, and this sentiment closely aligns with the newly established MotoGP concessions ranking.
The previous system, which determined access to technical benefits based on podium points, has been replaced by a new ranking system featuring four tiers. These tiers are determined by each manufacturer’s percentage score of maximum constructors’ points.
The range of perks has been expanded, now including testing tires and wild-cards, with the ranking percentages recalculated every six months based on the previous year.
In summary, Ducati, starting in Ranking A with 96% of the 2023 constructors’ points maximum, experiences a reduction in testing tires and wild-cards compared to the previous season.
No manufacturer starts in Ranking B, with KTM (51%) and Aprilia (45%) placed in Ranking C, where they will gain both testing tires and wild-cards under the 2023 rules.
Yamaha (27%) and Honda (25%) fall into Ranking D. They are the most significant beneficiaries, eligible for the full range of ‘old’ concessions as well as an increase in testing tires.
While both Honda and Yamaha had been winless for one of the last two seasons (Honda in 2022 and Yamaha in 2023), the old system only required one podium finish per year to exclude access to any concessions.
Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna expressed contentment in providing Japanese brands the opportunity to recover more swiftly through the new rankings. However, he held a different perspective on the separation of Ducati from KTM and Aprilia.
“I support the concession system, because for the show, for the championship, it is important to give possibilities to manufacturers that have had some difficult years to improve,” said Dall’Igna, whose company has eight riders on motogp grid.
“So, for the Japanese, I am very happy to give them some chance to recover fast.
“we give also to the Aprilias and KTMs an advantage in comparison with us, because we have less tyres to develop the bike during the season and no possibilities to do the wild-card.
“They won some races this season and they fought to win races all the season. So this seems to me quite strange.”
Nevertheless, Dall’Igna stated that Ducati ultimately withdrew its objection to the perks for KTM and Aprilia to secure unanimous approval for the new system.
“We consider that supporting the Japanese is more important than to block the concessions to KTM and Aprilia. In the end we are here for the show and if the show is really good then I think it’s better for everyone.
“In the end, we have to reach a compromise.”
Jack Miller, in the meantime, highlighted that Honda is set to receive maximum concessions next year despite winning a grand prix this season with Alex Rins at COTA.
Despite KTM securing the second position in the constructors’ standings, the Austrian factory did not emerge victorious in a Sunday race.
“They (Honda) won a GP last year, but they still get that. We didn’t!”
Upon being informed that Honda’s D ranking was attributed to its modest 25% of the maximum points scored, the Australian responded:“But that’s easy when half of their riders don’t ride the full season!”
In 2023, Grand Prix wins were distributed with 17 going to Ducati, 2 to Aprilia, and 1 to Honda. Additionally, Ducati secured victory in 16 out of 19 Sprints (with the Phillip Island race canceled), while KTM and Aprilia each claimed 2 and 1 win, respectively.
Constructors’ points are assigned based on the highest-placed rider from each manufacturer in each race.
Until now, the Japanese brands, once dominant in MotoGP, were the sole manufacturers without access to any concessions, as Ducati, KTM, Aprilia, and Suzuki all progressed through the old concessions system.
“I think it’s for sure a help, as we saw in the past with other manufacturers,” said Repsol Honda team manager Alberto Puig.
“Now it’s our turn to benefit. for sure it will help but it’s not like, ‘I have concessions, I will have a good bike immediately’.
“You need time, but the time to recover the lack of performance is going to be faster. We are happy and pleased for that.”
Squeezing in additional testing with race riders during a record 2024 season of 22 events will be a challenging endeavor, but Lucio Cecchinello, the team boss of LCR Honda, is eager to commence the efforts :
“Many people asked me, ‘Now you have more work to do, more tests, more days away from home’. My reply was thank goodness we have this opportunity because we really want to close the gap.
“It’s important for Honda as well as LCR and I think HRC will be using LCR more and more as a development platform (next year).”
The initial of these additional tests is expected to take the shape of the Sepang Shakedown in early February.
“We didn’t book our flights to the official Sepang test yet because we knew there was a possibility to ask us to join the Shakedown as well. If (HRC) call us, we are happy to be there.”
In addition to Repsol and LCR Honda, the Monster Yamaha team comprising Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will now also qualify for the Shakedown test.
“Yamaha really needs more tests,” Quartararo said before the new rankings were officially announced. “If we have concessions, we have 6 days of tests in Malaysia, so I will be dead! But for me, whatever Yamaha needs is the way we have to push.
“I think to be able to use more engine (specifications during the season) is also something that can be really helpful… (I want) Everything! Whatever is possible to have (with the new concessions) we will take it! It’s always better to have more than less.”
While the 2021 world champion, Quartararo, did not secure a race win this year, he did contribute to Yamaha’s success with three Grand Prix podiums. Following Rins’ victory in Texas, Marc Marquez secured Honda’s second podium of the year at Motegi.