MotoGP is looking into revising its current concession system, according to the series’ chief sporting officer Carlos Ezpeleta.
Confirmed:
- MotoGP wants to help Japanese manufacturers Honda and Yamaha with competitiveness
- Ezpeleta also says there are not expected to be more than 22 bikes next season
- Spaniard dismisses rumours of a third KTM team
Context: The current rules mean that if a team finishes on the podium during an entire season, they do not qualify for concessions. 2023 represented the first season that no factory outfit was aided by concessions since the system was introduced in 2016. The system enables struggling manufacturers to regain form through benefits like more engines, more wildcard entries and more testing days.
Comment: Ezpeleta told Catalunya Radio show Tot Costa: “We are working to be able to help not only Honda but also Yamaha so that they can get back to being competitive more quickly. Honda and Yamaha have been very attentive to concessions in the past, which were very fundamental for Ducati to be competitive, for Suzuki to be competitive very quickly, for KTM and Aprilia to enter the world championship and be competitive.”
Consequence: Under the plans outlined by Ezpeleta, Honda and Yamaha could be afforded more concessions despite scoring one podium each this season. Whether other teams on the grid will agree with this change of stance is up for debate.