MotoGP News: Engine capacity to be enhanced in 2012
It’s all about the sound. Ever since the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) made its decision on the reduction of engine capacity of the MotoGP class by 200 CC in 2007, hardcore fans have been of the view that the races have gradually lost the element of raw power and thrill. In 2012, the 1000 CC mean machines will be back on the circuit but thundering it with over 18000 RPM instead of the 800 CC bikes which are currently being used is a problem. As a result, the FIM decided to raise the power bar altogether. The Moto 2 class has been introduced in 2010 to replace the 250 CC two stroke bikes. Moreover, once the current season is over, only the 600 CC class will take part in the Championship as opposed to both the 250 CC and the 600 CC bikes. However, in an interesting turn of events, no team applied for the 250 CC class, leaving only the 600 CC’s to line up for the 2010 grid.
To add some thrill to the experience of this new class, different rules have been laid down. Along with the change in the engine capacity, it has been made mandatory that the machine will comprise of a 4-stroke engine in order to partly reduce carbon emissions. The hardcore two stroke enthusiasts had their apprehensions who believed that they will “miss the scream of the old 250’s”. The Japanese manufacturer Honda is the official engine supplier for the prototype World Championship Series for the 600 CC class. Similarly, Dunlop will serve as the tyre provider for the Moto 2 class where the electronics have been cost barred at 650 Euros and are to be provided by only the FIM approved producers. In includes the usage of steel brakes which have been allowed for these motorbikes. Although there are no limitations on the chassis, but the rest of the limitations make the playing field into a very interesting competition. The entire controversy of machine supremacy over the riders’ abilities has been put to rest with these changes. It is unlike the elite class of MotoGP where all machines are supplied by the same manufacturer hence exploiting the skill of the rider rather than the sheer power of the machine. The main event will house a 40 bike grid start instead of the 25 bike grid start of which the fans are so used to. The FIM announced the names of the 26 teams and 40 riders taking part in the Moto 2 class for 2010.
With the inaugural season of the Moto 2 class already around the half way mark, its promise of being close and extremely competitive has so far proved to be sturdy. Toni Elias of Honda Gresini Racing with his Moriwaki MD600 has set the circuits ablaze by amassing 136 points along with three podiums finishes in 8 races. Thomas Luthi of Honda with his Interwetten Moriwaki MD600 is lagging behind the race leader with 42 points. However, both bikers will face off against at the Brno Circuit in the Czech Republic in a few weeks time. The circuit is well known for its undulations and copious twists and turns, making it an ideal place for rampant overtaking. Keeping in mind the competitive nature of the race and the level playing field, the next race promises to be a sight for sore eyes.
The inaugural seasons have not been entirely sunny for all the participating teams, since they do not employ high budgets for the race which result in various problems. As the season continues and the budget emaciates, problems regarding sponsorships have resurfaced amongst many teams.
JiR Moto2 racing team’s Mattia Pasini was the first to fall prey to this issue and the Italian split away from his team over sponsorship issues followed by Ralph Waldman who left the MZ team due to the lack of funds. He stated, “I was tired of not having any mechanics and having to do everything at the racetrack myself, there are parts missing front and back." There are a number of other teams apart from these two which are unlikely to last the entire season.
These problems were quite predictable given the size of the Moto 2 competition and the 40 bike grid. There were two major reasons for the packed grid. Firstly, there was a lack of future planning for the Moto2 and MotoGP and the fear of the failure of the Moto 2 class all together which resulted in such a mess. However, many of the teams in the Moto 2 class are scoping for a prospect to enter the MotoGP. Moreover, once the new set of rules have been laid down in 2012, three or four teams are likely to move into the MotoGP to run 1000 CC engines in prototype chassis as Claiming Rule Teams.
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