I would like to see one size only. No 800 proto vs 1000 production based. I can already see the:
"He's only champ because the 1000s have 200cc exta."
"He's only champ because the 800s corner faster."
"The 1000s restrictor is too small/big"

We had enough of that #### in the past.

Totally agree with AZ above. The formula has to be the same for everyone. No restrictors, no ballast, none of those games.

I'd rather have identical prototype rules for everyone, and maybe see Suzuki leave motoGP, than have the built in excuses as listed above. A grid full of Yamaha's, Honda's and Ducati's is fine with me. It is pretty much what we have now.

hornet1 - 09 November 2009 11:08 PM

marshall banana - 09 November 2009 06:55 PM

The word I had heard is that it would be run alongside the 800s, with the factories being able to run their bikes as they currently stand, and the 1000s getting more technology restricted rules in return for their cheap horsepower.

I think it's a good idea, providing costs can be kept reasonable, and the bikes can be roughly equivalent. Hopefully it will also let the factories get back some of the sillier restrictions imposed on them this year (no variable valve timing for crying out loud?)...

Sounds like the old F1 system. Watch out. It will lead to 500cc two strokes in MotoGP.

The come back of the 500s could only be a good thing, although they might need to be 750s to have the power to keep up with full-litre 4 strokes...

garyb425 - 09 November 2009 11:12 PM

marshall banana - 09 November 2009 06:55 PM

The word I had heard is that it would be run alongside the 800s, with the factories being able to run their bikes as they currently stand, and the 1000s getting more technology restricted rules in return for their cheap horsepower.

I believe that was the old plan - I think the new plan is no 800s, but I'm not certain of that.

If it's back to full-on 990s for everyone then I'm sold, although getting rid of traction control would be even better...

I speculate the new Moto2 regs were specifically designed so that teams and performance parts maker can develope chassis technology, which will pay off eventually with more Moto2 teams moving up or making frames specifically for MotoGP.

What Dorna needs to do now is go to one of the manufactureres or a engine specialist (Cosworth, AER, Judd) and get them to develop a relatively cheap to run MotoGP 800cc engine with perhaps a spec electronics package to facilitate teams to join the premier class for a fraction of the current costs.

The only issue is that motorcycle engines seem to require specialist attention. I remember Cosworth and Ilmor both developed 990 motors, and neither was very good. It may be that race car engine makers aren't able to focus on the powerband and driveability needs of motorcycle motors...

marshall banana - 10 November 2009 08:42 AM

...although getting rid of traction control would be even better...

uh oh.

marshall banana - 10 November 2009 10:17 AM

The only issue is that motorcycle engines seem to require specialist attention. I remember Cosworth and Ilmor both developed 990 motors, and neither was very good. It may be that race car engine makers aren't able to focus on the powerband and driveability needs of motorcycle motors...

I don't think we saw the full potential of the Illmor. The Cosworth was just three cylinders of its then F1 engine that Aprilia was slowly starting to tame, but with the electronics now, I think it'd be doable. I feel they were on the right track with Yamaha and Honda later going to pnematic valve trains later.

If they want cheap horsepower, go back to strokers.

BHarvey - 10 November 2009 10:58 AM

If they want cheap horsepower, go back to strokers.

We have a winner! Satellite leasing costs doubled with 4 strokes.

(cue winters to say his bit about 2 strokes not being sold as street bikes )