Source: Supplied.

The 2017 MotoGP World Championship will have 23 starters following the FIM, IRTA and Dorna’s decision to delay plans to introduce a 24th entry to the championship next season.

MotoGP currently has 21 fulltime entries, to be increased to 23 once KTM Factory Racing arrives with two bikes next year. Plans to add a final 24th entry have now been dropped for 2017 at least.

“On the 21st of March it was announced that applications from existing MotoGP championship teams to provide a 24th entry in the MotoGP class from 2017 would be invited,” read a statement from series organisers. “The deadline for applications was the 29th of April, on which date the selection committee, comprising delegates of FIM, IRTA and Dorna would consider the applications.

“Expressions of interest were received from five teams who were then provided with more comprehensive details of the requirements and the financial conditions. Three teams subsequently submitted official applications for consideration.

“The selection committee considered the applications and concluded that all three had merit and each, in slightly different ways, had elements that could enhance the MotoGP class. However, alongside the application process, discussions were also conducted with the Manufacturers to establish the likely availability of competitive machinery for the extra entry.

“The conclusion from these discussions was that there was reluctance amongst the existing manufacturers to commit to making additional equipment available, at least for 2017. It has therefore reluctantly been decided to postpone a decision on the allocation of the additional entry to a later season.

“FIM, IRTA and Dorna wish to thank the teams who complied with the application process and apologise that the offer has had to be withdrawn.”