On its return as the championship's official tyre supplier, Michelin introduced an intermediate tyre for use in mixed conditions, when either a slick or full wet tyre would have been unsuitable.

However, riders frequently commented that the intermediate rubber's ideal operating window was too narrow to use in flag-to-flag races, meaning it was very rarely used.

As such, Michelin has now agreed to drop the tyre for 2017 following a meeting of the Grand Prix Commission in Madrid earlier this month.

The allocation of dry and wet tyres will remain changed, but an additional specification of slick tyre for both front and rear will be made available.

Stewarding changes

Among the other changes decided by the Grand Prix Commission is a shake-up to the stewarding process, involving the creation of a second tier of 'Appeal Stewards' beneath the existing panel of 'FIM MotoGP Stewards.'

This new tier, which will comprise an extra steward appointed by the FIM and a steward appointed by the relevant national motorcycling federation, is designed to provide a speedier appeal process, with the aim being to resolve all appeals against stewards' decisions during the weekend itself.

Previously, the FIM Court of Appeal had four days to give a verdict on any appeal.