by S. Ancín / photo: MotoGP and Detik Sport

The 2017 MotoGP World Championship opening round will take place this Sunday at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar bringing with it one of the most competitive line ups in history. Among the 23 riders on the start line there will be ten World Champions totalling a staggering 29 titles altogether.

During the pre-season, the different teams have given us a sneak peak of the new developments that we might see on the track. These are partly brought about by the rule changes, but also by other improvements implemented on the bikes. In this season many will drive brand new motorbikes, such as Jorge Lorenzo, having transferred from Yamaha to Ducati. Great expectations also awoken by Viñales’ progress.

The most significant changes we will see are

• The new, more aerodynamic fairing. As you might recall wings were banned last year for safety reasons and thus the teams have been developing different alternatives according to their interpretation of the rules. Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, Aprilia and Suzuki have shown their new designs at the test runs, having for the most part focused on internal winglet development, widening of the bodywork or adding extra cooling ducts. Being KTM’s first year in GP they have all year to develop the design.

• The outfits have been allowed to use engines that meet last year’s’ specifications as long as they comply with current technical requirements. Also each manufacturer can validate up to three different specifications before the first race of the tournament.

• Regarding track safety and to avoid accidents, drivers will not be allowed to stop at the start – finish straight once beyond the checked flag.

• The new Appeal Stewards will have the role of studying appeals made at each race and resolve them on the same day. This aims to avoid escalating conflicts such as the one between Rossi and Márquez two seasons ago.

• The structure of the medical code has also changed, including changes on the responsibilities of the permanent championship team and a better integration of local medical personnel at each circuit.

• The new concession points’ system will meant Ducati, having more than 6, has lost its privileges for this year 2017. These are: for official drivers to be able to carry out tests, the use of nine engines and the option to develop these, and the use of softer tires.

• The new rookies. Whereas last season had only one debutant (Tito Rabat), this season will see four of them competing at the premium category. Alex Rins, Sam Lovers, Jonas Folger and Johann Zarco will go head to head for the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title.