Foggy PETRONAS Racing chief engineer Steve Thompson does not believe new tyre restrictions for World Superbike teams next year will affect the chances of Troy Corser and Chris Walker.

The number of rear tyres allowable has been increased from 13 to 15, but this total now includes race day and wet weather tyres.

There has also been a restriction placed on the number of front tyres, with 11 allowed during the weekend.

The new rule states: “At each event, during free practices, qualifying practices, Superpole, warm up and races, a maximum of 15 rear and 11 front tyres may be used. Front and rear wet tyres will be included in the total quantity count. A technical steward must mark all of these tyres. During free practices, qualifying practices, Superpole, warm up and races, no motorcycle may enter the track without the front and rear tyres being marked. If the riders are given a red flag during a race (or during the Superpole for reasons beyond rider's control) the FIM Technical Director may allow an additional set of tyres to be used. For each race, one extra set of tyres can be put on the second motorcycle to have it ready for substitution on the grid in case of failure of the first motorcycle.”

But Steve said: “The rules are there to make it even more of a level playing field by further reducing the costs of competition. But I think we were always under the figure of 11 fronts for each rider last season. For instance, at Magny Cours, a new circuit for us, we only used 17 fronts between the two riders. So I do not expect the new rules to affect the way we approach the issue of tyre selection.

“What is important for us is to work closely with Pirelli in producing a new construction for the front before the next test. One of Troy’s strengths last year was pushing the front hard into corners and being very fast round the corners. To do that you need a lot of confidence in the front and that is a priority for us in these early days of development with Pirelli.”