Controversial MotoGP rule change blocked after strong Steiner criticism'

MotoGP’s proposed “single-bike” rule—designed to reduce costs by having teams lock away riders’ second bikes for practice—has been shelved for 2027, according to El Periodico. KTM opposed the idea, and because manufacturers needed a unified agreement through the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers’ Association), the plan didn’t advance. The earlier concept would have limited riders to one bike in every session, but a spring compromise targeted only practice. Riders reacted strongly as details emerged, with Pedro Acosta calling it a “really bad idea” and saying crashes could effectively end a weekend by preventing qualifying or pre-qualifying. The report also raises questions about Aprilia and Ducati’s motives and cites MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta rejecting a 4-1 approach to unanimity.