There’s been much debate over the past two months about the use of front-stroke pedometers, the mechanical-hydraulic system that lowers the front of a MotoGP bike at corner exits.
Ever since Ducati introduced the device at Sepang testing, other motorcycle manufacturers have complained about it being a waste of money, an expensive way to find small performance.
That prompted an internal discussion within MSMA, the association of motorcycle manufacturers that race in MotoGP.
Five factories objected to the use of a front-stroke height gauge, while Ducati felt they were being punished for their innovation. If these devices were to be banned, then Ducati wanted to postpone that ban until 2024.
However, Ducat lost both rounds. Two proposals have been made to the Grand Prix Committee and the GPC has decided to adopt a proposal to ban devices with a front ride height from next season.
The proposal would not ban forward hole-punch devices, meaning any device that could be used once, at the start of a race, to help a bike deviate from the road markings when the lights are off. The interpretation of the rules will be left to MotoGP Technical Director, Danny Aldridge.
The ban raises questions about whether Ducati will continue to develop its front hole capture device. At Mandalika, the Italian factory removed the device from most Ducati GP22s, after all GP22s had a bad start at the first race in Qatar.
If the device is banned from 2023 and further development is needed before it provides any benefit, it may be more effective to ditch the device now and focus on other areas.
Ducati’s track record of coming up with new and innovative ideas to circumvent existing regulations suggests they will soon find other areas.
Notably, the ban adopted by the FIM only affects devices with a ride height on the front. Rear cruising height gauges will continue to be legal.
Source: FIM
