MotoGP: How will concessions work?

Rule changes are due to shake up the 2024 MotoGP season, but how will concessions work?

This year, manufacturers will be split into four categories throughout the season, using the new concession rules. This should help reduce the gap for manufacturers who are currently struggling.

There will be an A, B, C, and D group, which will be decided at two points in the year. Window one will be decided at the start of the season and at the first event after the summer test ban.

Group A

At the beginning of 2024, group A will have only Ducati in it as they had over 85% of the points available last season. This means they will only have 170 test tyres permitted and can only test at three circuits.

During the season, Ducati will not be allowed to wildcard at any rounds and can only use seven/eight engines. Their engine specification will also be frozen – meaning they are not allowed to update their spec. They will also be allowed to update their aero once during the season.

Group B

Group B will have no manufacturers in it at the beginning of the 2024 season as it is for manufacturers who have 60% to 85% of the points. However, after the summer break, this could change.

If a manufacturer is put into group B, they are given 20 more test tyres with private testing only completed by a test rider. Just like group A, manufacturers will be able to test on three circuits.

The only change during the season will be that three wildcard entries can be entered throughout the year. Engine and aero specs remain the same as group A.

Group C

Group C will have two manufacturers in it at the beginning of the year, with KTM and Aprilia in this category. They will be given an extra 50 tyres compared to Ducati – bringing the total test tyres to 220.

Testing will again only take place on three circuits, with private testing taking place by test riders only. During the year, KTM and Aprilia will be allowed to make six wildcards throughout the season. However, only three wildcards can be made before the summer break and three in the second half of the year.

Wildcards will also not be subjected to the engine freeze that the full-time riders will have to adhere to.

Group D

The final/bottom category for concessions is group D, which both Japanese manufacturers will be in at the start of the year. Honda and Yamaha have struggled as of late, as they scored less than 35% of the points.

Next year, they will receive a further 90 tyres compared to Ducati – bringing the total to 260 test tyres. In addition to that, they will be able to test with any riders on any Grand Prix circuit that they want.

During the year, they can wildcard six times during the season at any time of the year that they decide. They will also have 9/10 engines during the season and will not have an engine freeze on them. On top of that, Honda/Yamaha can have two aero updates throughout the year, but they must discard a previous aero specification.

Honda is taking this seriously, with Motorsport.com reporting that they have a 22 private test schedule this year. Most of this work will be carried out by Stefan Bradl, who will also wildcard this year.

It looks to be an exciting year with the first test taking place in Sepang for the Shakedown on the 1-3 of February. Then the paddock will fly to Qatar for another test before the first race weekend on the 8-10 March.

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