The Argentinian round of the MotoGP championship could feature a mandatory bike swap for each driver, depending on the weather conditions for Sunday's grand prix.
Tyre supplier Michelin withdrew both its rear-tyre compounds over safety fears and has mandated the use of a new medium tyre of a stiffer construction for the race. But the safety of that decision has now been questioned after a planned 30-minute practice session to allow drivers to familiarise themselves with it was cancelled due to wet weather.
An extended Warm Up session – from 20 to 30 minutes – could also see wet condtions, therefore race organisers have listed a number of options depending on how the weather plays out – one of which could see riders forced to swap bikes mid-race.
"If the race starts in dry conditions but the Warm Up has been dry, then riders must start with the Option tyre and the race will be for the full 25 laps," confirmed a statement. "The normal flag to flag conditions will apply if the track becomes wet.
"If the race starts in dry conditions when the Warm Up has been wet, then riders may use either of the rear slick tyres (Medium & Hard of their allocation for Argentina). However, the race will be 'flag to flag' for 20 laps with a compulsory stop to change machines at the end of lap nine, 10 or 11.
"If the race starts in the wet and the track dries then Race Direction will decide if it is unsafe for the riders to continue in which case the race will be red flagged. The new 'dry' race will then be restarted for 10 laps with a 15-minute start procedure. Should the track become wet during this race the riders may change machines as normal.
"If the race starts in wet conditions and remains wet then the race will be for the normal 25 laps."
The statement added that "under no conditions will the use of intermediate tyres be permitted."
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