MotoGP: penalty points system is no more

The 'penalty points' system in the MotoGP world championship allowed for both sides of the argument to be presented and examined, the idea being that an accurate decision was more important than a quick one. However, at a recent meeting between the heads of Dorna, FIM, IRTA and MSMA (the bodies that make and implement rules, among other things, in motorcycle Grand Prix racing) it was deemed that the penalty points system should be scrapped. 

One of the rule changes that occurred at the beginning of the 2016 season was, ten penalty points would result in a race disqualification. No intermediate punishments remained when this came into force.

Another change that has been brought about is to the appeal system - the ruling made by the steward can be appealed by the FIM MotoGP Appeal steward, but the ruling by the latter will be final, with no provisions for a second appeal. 

The changes in these two regulations are a result of what happened during the 2015-2016 season, when Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi clashed at the Sepang Round. Rossi earned penalty points, and despite many appeals, still started from the back of the grid in Valencia. He made it to fifth in the race but could only finish second in the rider's championship, losing out to teammate Lorenzo by a few points. 

There is one more sporting regulation change - the number of team mechanics who can help during bike changes during qualifying has been increased to six, but remains limited to four during a race. All of them are required to wear helmets during all bike changes in the pit lane.