Mixed reactions from MotoGP riders on new one-tyre rule

In a joint press conference on day 1 of the Australian MotoGP round at Phillip Island, Rossi, Stoner, Pedrosa, Vermeulen and West were asked their opinions on the controversial one-tyre rule announced after Rossi clinched the 2008 title in Motegi last week. And despite all 5 riders being lucky enough to be on this year’s dominant Bridgestone tyres - and thus presumably having the most to lose from a one-make series, their reactions were quite diverse and revealing.

Rossi, perhaps predictably, spoke out in favour of the rule on the grounds that it should make for a better spectacle for viewers and a closer fight for riders to enjoy - “I agree with the one tyre rule. Everyone has the same problems, the same advantages. We should have more riders on the same plane for a better battle.”

Stoner, while “reserving his judgement” until he’d seen the effects of the rule, was typically scathing of the suggestion that superior tyres have decided the championship in the last 2 years - “Look at 250cc, they’re all on the same tyres and there’s still big gaps in the field there. If it’s not one thing people complain about, it’s another.”

Dani Pedrosa played his cards a little closer to his chest: “It should be interesting for the championship,” he said, adding that although his laptimes had been immediately impressive on Bridgestones from the very first test, the job of adjusting the RC212V Honda to the new tyres was “not over yet.”

Chris Vermeulen was dead against the rule: “I think it’s the wrong thing for the series, for the manufacturers and development in general. If you’re all going out there on the same tyres, why not go out on the same bikes and use the same suspension?”

And outgoing Kawasaki rider Ant West (who it seems will have his work cut out even securing a World Supersport ride next year) offered another interesting perspective: one tyre doesn’t fit all. “We might be on Bridgestones this year, but we can’t use the same Bridgestones as Ducati use, they don’t work with our bike. Some bikes work better with some tyres. So that could be a problem.”

With the single tyre supplier to be chosen in the next few weeks, there’s no guarantee that Bridgestone will get the contract for 2009. When asked what their preferences were, all five riders laughed, not wanting to insult Michelin as there’s a good chance that the French company might well be chosen. Stoner hid behind his baseball cap and Pedrosa, who has only just switched away from Michelin after a woeful performance this year, offered no answer.

Rossi finally spoke up: “Bridgestone are the best performing tyre this year, so it would seem like a good idea to choose them.”

The one-tyre rule is being introduced by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in order to cut costs, as well as level the playing field for riders to encourage tighter competition and thus more entertaining races. It’s also part of a plan to slow the GP missiles down from the blistering corner speeds that have emerged in the 800cc era.

Rossi spoke briefly of a meeting with Ezpeleta at Estoril at which the riders put forth their suggestions for reducing corner speed “firstly, let’s go back to the 990cc, all the riders agree with this! Maybe use less electronics so the rider is in full control. Some riders suggested the one tyre rule, but not everybody was in agreement about this.”

Either way, the rule is here to stay. It will be very interesting to learn which supplier gets the contract - particularly if it’s Michelin, who have had two very high-profile and controversial defections in Rossi and Pedrosa in the last 12 months.

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