What's a one-make tire rule?
The most significant rule change for the 2009 season in MotoGP was the one-make tire rule. Also known as control tires, this rule was introduced at the end of last year after much deliberation. The rule took effect in 2009. What it means is that during the 3 years from 2009 to 2011, Bridgestone will be the sole official supplier of tires for the MotoGP class. The official tire supplier for 2012 onwards has yet to be decided. As a result of this rule the details for the supply of tires to each team are spelled out in the rulebook's technical regulations.
What is the rulebook and regulations?
Before discussing the details about tires, let’s take a quick look at the rulebook. The rules for MotoGP racing and other international motorcycle racing are set out in a rulebook written by theFIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme).[1]
For MotoGP, the rules fall under the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations. These rules are divided into Sporting Regulations and Technical Regulations. The former concerns rules governing race operations, while the latter governs the technical specifications for the machines used in the race and definitions for each class. Detailed rules for tires are found in the Technical Regulations, from paragraphs 2.9.1 to 2.9.9.
Explanation of Terms
[1] Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM)The FIM is an international organization that unifies two-wheeled competition and sponsors different categories of world championships. Currently, 98 organizations including the Motorcycle Federation of Japan (MFJ) are under the umbrella of the FIM and the FIM takes a major role in formulating the rules for various races and competitions.
