I think they have realized that from a safety standpoint lowering cornering speeds is more important than top speed.

It probably would be safer with lower cornering speeds, but that is the best thing about MOTOGP. They appear to use a good 10 degree more lean, at least, than WSBK.

garyb425 - 20 November 2009 06:21 PM

I think they have realized that from a safety standpoint lowering cornering speeds is more important than top speed.

I believe that would be a correct assumption, they realized there were wrong in the fact crashes do not typically happen on the straights, but in the corners. That has been said many times. Just was finally said enough to get the FIM and Dorna's attention.

You know the ironic thing is, is that we are producing technology to go around faster and faster, yet people want to try and stop that from happening, yet the name of the game is to go around the track the fastest. It's very counter-intuitive.

Noyes is pretty clued in. here's his take:
http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/motogp-1000cc-for-2012-or-even-2011-pt-1/

After reading the Noyes article, it's clear there are still too few details to be realised/released to make a judgement on the matter. The only thing that seems to be clear is that there is going to be a formula change, but beyond that, it's hazy.

italiapower07 - 20 November 2009 08:26 PM

You know the ironic thing is, is that we are producing technology to go around faster and faster, yet people want to try and stop that from happening, yet the name of the game is to go around the track the fastest. It's very counter-intuitive.

That's assuming that 800cc bikes are the easiest and most cost-effective way of going fast. That they certainly aren't.

Inexpensive HP with limited top speeds seems like a good partial solution. Add a control ECU and you lower the costs even more and also lower corner speeds.

italiapower07 - 20 November 2009 08:26 PM

garyb425 - 20 November 2009 06:21 PM

I think they have realized that from a safety standpoint lowering cornering speeds is more important than top speed.

I believe that would be a correct assumption, they realized there were wrong in the fact crashes do not typically happen on the straights, but in the corners. That has been said many times. Just was finally said enough to get the FIM and Dorna's attention.

You know the ironic thing is, is that we are producing technology to go around faster and faster, yet people want to try and stop that from happening, yet the name of the game is to go around the track the fastest. It's very counter-intuitive.

The instant they set the first displacement limit, they were trying to slow the sport down. People disagree how much performance policing is necessary, but they don't usually disagree that performance policing is fundamentally necessary.

So again, teams will lose their investment buy and building yet another new(Type)bike. It doesn't seem that cost effective if at best they are going to break even but ofcourse that means in real money it is going to cost even more in the long run. It is going to take a lot more money in testing, materials and time.

How many sponsors have already left since the 990 days. This change will probably drive a few more away. This is nothing more than a lightweight Superbike formula where carbon brakes are legal and it still costs 3x as much as WSB. For me it just feels too artificial.

If you read Noyes' article it sounds as though prototype engines are still legal, this is simply to allow private teams to run engines that aren't a million dollars.

that's exactly how i read it. it will attract more manufacturers (aprilia?) and privateers while lowering costs. in the end however, honda, yamaha and ducati will still run prototype engines and dominate the series as they have been for the last few years.