Two-stroke GP racing is expected to die next year, and the announcement of the Moto3 class is expected to occur during the GP Commission’s meeting at the Czech GP in a couple days. Scheduled to meet on Friday, the GP Commission has been hammering out the details on the 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke racing class that will replace 125GP in 2012, and will likely make an announcement after Sunday’s race.
Similar in concept to the Moto2 class, the most notable difference is the rumor that the Moto3 class will not be a spec-motor series, meaning any manufacturer can build a thumper and compete in the series. Considering the large number of manufacturers that already have experience racing 250cc singles, we can expect an array of bikes to be on the grid in 2012.
At their meeting the GP Commission is also expected to rule on giving Rizla Suzuki three more motors in its season allotment. The factory squad was rumored to have been given a handshake agreement at the start of the season that would allow them to run-over the six motor allotment without penalty, as a sort of concession to keep Suzuki in GP racing for the 2010 season.
Both Rizla Suzuki riders Alvaro Bautista and Loris Capirossi are on the verge of going over their allotment, with only half the season behind them. This begs the question as whether we’ll see the Suzuki need another special dispensation later in the season as well.
The GP Commission is not expected to rule on the 2012 MotoGP rules, including the claiming rule provision, which has drawn ire from the Flammini brother, who promote World Superbike.
Source: MotorcycleUSA
Comments