There are going to be a whole new set of rules for motocross GP racing in 2011.

Starting next season, the minimum weight for a 125cc two-stroke will be 88 kg (193.6 pounds), while a 250 four-stroke will drop to 95 kg (209 pounds).

The 250 four-stroke weight limit in 2010 was 98 kg (215.6 pounds). It should also be noted that GP bikes will be weighed with no more than one litre of fuel in the tank (previously they were weighed empty of fuel).

At no point during the race weekend will the bike ever be allowed to fall below the minimum weight limit, but there will be a 1% tolerance in the minimum weight for fluid loss in post-race weigh-ins.

All 450 bikes must weigh 102 kg (224 pounds).

Additionally, the rule that prohibited riders from practicing at a Grand Prix track within 30 days of its GP date (without prior permission from the FIM) has been dropped for 2011.

On another note, the FIM has vowed to synchronise the dates of all MX1, MX2 and MX3 World Championships fixtures so that more weekends will be left open on the calendar for local and national events.

The FIM requests that the National Federations respect the dates of the 2011 FIM Motocross World Championship calendars and not schedule national events in the same country to allow riders to participate in the various championships.

This does not apply to the AMA Nationals in the US.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com