Riders And Machinery At MotoGP 2016-
what's new and what's the same

• Oct 20, 2015
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As we know, the FIM and Dorna sports has changed the rules for 2016 and beyond in both technical and team strategies. 2016 will see Michelin taking over as the sole tire manufacturer and the debut of 17" rims, along with intermediate tires which is similar to those used in F1.

2016 will also see all the bikes on the grid running the same ECU provided by Magneti Marelli. This rule is enforced in order to bring uniformity and increase competitiveness in the already competitive sport. However, manufacturers are allowed to use one sensor for themselves without the need of homologating it and making it available to the rest of the paddock. The team lineup has changed as well, with the Estrella Galicia Marc VDS team becoming a two rider team. Tito Rabat moves up to the Premier class aboard the Factory Honda RC213V run by Marc Van Der straten's squad, while Jack Miller will be partnering him, as LCR Honda decided to run a single bike for 2016 and beyond with Cal Crutchlow piloting their sole Factory RC213V. It's unclear whether Jack will get a Factory RC213V or a open class RCV-RS. Loris Baz (Forward Racing Yamaha) will switch to the Avintia Ducati squad alongside top open class rider Hector Barbera. The French rookie is looking forward to be aboard the more competitive open Ducati Desmisedici, as Forward Racing is stated to leave the GP paddock. The Swiss based team's boss, Giovanni Culzari is charged with Money laundering and corruption charges and IRTA will cut the financial aid provided to the team until he is given a clean sheet. Scott Redding (Estrella Galicia MarcVDS Honda) will partner Danilo Petrucci at the Pramac racing squad, which is stated to run factory Desmosedici GP15s next year.The Brit has been in Ducati's list of contacted riders since 2012,until he joined Fausto Gresini's squad alongside Alvaro Bautista in his rookie season. Redding had a good relation with the Ducati management as he tested Ducati's Desmosedici in 2012. Yonny Hernandez (Octo Pramac Racing) will join the Aspar team, as the Spain based Honda squad will switch to Ducati Machinery for 2016 and beyond. The Columbian will be partnered by Irishman Eugene Laverty who has a 2 year contract with Aspar. Yonny will be filling the space vacated by MotoGP legend and 2006 MotoGP World champion Nicky Hayden.

The Factory Teams remain unchanged for 2016, as all the riders are contracted till the end of 2016. AB Motoracing and Forward Racing are rumored to leave the GP paddock and participate in alternative events (WSBK, WSS and Moto2).

By: Suraj