MotoGP: Safety Commission numbers swell

World champion Casey Stoner has helped swell the numbers on the MotoGP Safety Commission to six riders.

Until the middle of last season, only Italian duo Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi and American Kenny Roberts Junior sat permanently on the Safety Commission, which was formed after the death of Daijiro Kato in the first race of 2003 at Suzuka.

When Roberts Junior quit shortly before the midway stage of the 2007 season, only Rossi and Capirossi attended the regular meetings staged at every race, with occasional visits from other riders wanting to voice specific areas of concern.

Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta said in January that he wanted an increased representation on the Safety Commission, and he’s now got his wish, with one rider from each manufacturer now agreeing to attend.

Valentino Rossi represents Yamaha and Loris Capirossi Suzuki, while Marco Melandri joins Stoner from Ducati.

Dani Pedrosa is Honda’s representative and John Hopkins will attend on Kawasaki’s behalf.