Engine rule to cut MotoGP celebrations

Valentino Rossi has indicated that the new MotoGP engine rules, which come into force at this weekend's Czech Republic Grand Prix, will reduce on-track tricks and celebrations - such as tyre-smoking burnouts - due to the strain they put on the engine.

To help reduce MotoGP maintenance and running costs, each rider is allowed a maximum of five engine changes for the final seven rounds of the 2009 season. Any further changes will be punished by a ten point penalty, so riders will need to avoid putting any unnecessary stress on their powerplants.

"It will change a little bit the way to work on the bike. Now you need to plan more which bike to use during practice and you have to always take care of the engine during practice and also after the race," admitted Rossi, the reigning six time MotoGP champion and 2009 title leader.

"It is another rule to save money, so it is important for this difficult [financial] period, but for sure it is another small 'problem'."

The Yamaha star added that the new rule will initially mean a small decrease in performance from his M1, which could be compensated for by some new parts he will try in Monday's test.

"I think the engines, for the new rule, will lose a bit of power - we hope not a lot - and on Monday we have some small 'details' [to test], nothing incredible," he said. "We will try to make another small step with the bike for the final races."

In 2010, the rules will demand further increases in engine life with each rider being limited to six engines for the whole 18-race series.

Rossi starts round eleven 25 points clear of team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.