P1racenews AI automatic summary:
MotoGP has made an 11th-hour change to one of the most controversial new rules in the series mere days ahead of the opening race of 2024.
Just days before the 2024 MotoGP season opener, a last-minute change was made to one of the most controversial new rules in the series regarding minimum tyre pressures. Breaching the set limit will now result in a 16-second time penalty instead of instant disqualification in the main event on Sundays. Originally introduced in the 2023 season, penalties for going below the minimum tyre pressure limit caused significant race result changes, like the case where Fabio Di Giannantonio lost a podium finish. Despite opposition, the planned change for 2024 was set to be instant disqualification but has now been revised to the time penalty system. Riders express relief at the lowered minimum tyre pressure limit of 1.80 bar, although the number of laps needing to meet the threshold in the main race has increased to 60%. Despite safety concerns raised by Michelin, riders and teams objected to the penalties, noting the potential dangers and lack of evidence of dramatic failures due to low pressures in MotoGP races.
