This is a regulatory clarification that comes to us from Moto3 with a view to the 2017 season and it concerns the aerodynamic field. In essence, it is confirmed that the Grand Prix world no longer wants to see wings on motorcycles. But not only. Smart people who would like to bring them back in the form of a fairing are invited to move on.
The Grand Prix Commission said. It had already been announced that aerodynamic fins would be banned from all categories from 2017. We couldn't be clearer. And yet, it seems that it was useful to provide further clarification on the subject.
Thus, appendages or shapes protruding from the contours of the fairing, such as winglets, ailerons, or others and which may have an aerodynamic effect such as providing aerodynamic downforce or modifying wake turbulence will no longer be authorized.
As we still know exactly what this will involve, it is the Technical Director who will be the only person capable of judging whether or not a fairing complies with this rule. A sacred power of life or death.
Finally, in order to prevent the front of the fairings from taking the shape of a fin, with, it is specified, unforeseeable consequences on safety, the front of the fairing cannot exceed a vertical line by more than 150mm. passing through the axle of the front wheel.
Details which therefore concern Moto3, but which are also like a warning to MotoGP which will also have to do without wings in 2017. But we know that to get to this point, there was a lively debate between the three Japanese manufacturers and the two European brands, Aprilia even trying to find a middle point between two opposing points of view primarily developed by Honda et Ducati. If some still thought they could continue their aerodynamic research other than through ostentatious fins, they are warned that they must think of something else...
It will be recalled that the Grand Prix Commission, made up of MM. Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO of Dorna), Ignacio Verneda (CEO of the FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of MM. Javier Alonso (Dorna) and Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting). This decision was taken following a meeting held on September 9 in Misano.
