MotoGP stakeholders (The FIM, organizer Dorna Sports and the major teams), have agreed to the following changes the 2012 season: only four cylinders, a 1000cc limit, and a maximum bore of 81mm. Keep in mind that manufacturers are less and less enamoured with the very high costs of MotoGP and the reduction in TV and on-site spectators. So the organisers have to do something!

This latest shot in the dark from rules makers to make things right comes after multiple expensive rules changes over recent years:

•  2002 - Introduction of 990cc 4-stroke engine (instead of 2-stroke 500cc), to reflect the disappearance of two stroke engines from the market
•  2007 - Engine capacity is reduced to 800cc to “slow the bikes down”
•  2010 – Maximum engine usage reduced to 6 per rider, per season, to cut costs
•  2012 - Maximum engine capacity increased to 1000cc, fixed at 4 cylinders, and a maximum 81mm cylinder bore, to cut costs and slow the bikes down???

More detailed rules will be made available in the coming months regarding electronic aids, using production parts (Crankcase, cylinders, electronics) in the new engine. With presumably more torque, these new machines should be more difficult to ride and make for a better show – if traction control and other electronics rider aids are limited, as the top riders are demanding.

Meanwhile, World Superbike organizers (The healthier series) are concerned about the arrival of close-to-stock engines in lightweight chassis, just like the new-for-2010 GP2 class (One Honda engine, and home made chassis). They have the rights for stock-based World Championships, with manufacturers racing what they sell, and want to keep it that way.

Stay tuned for developments.



Photo Credit : MotoGP