Important MotoGP News

[Marknz]

Fm MCNEWS.COM.AU

"There was also big MotoGP news off the track today, as the Grand Prix Commission announced important rule changes to be implemented to the series in just over 18 months’ time. From the 1st January 2007 the maximum engine size capacity for MotoGP will be reduced to 800cc, whilst the use of two-stroke engines will be officially banned in the premier class. The maximum fuel capacity will be limited to 21 litres."

[John]

wow!

Thats not cool.

[Marknz]

why is that not good?

[John]

why is that not good?

Nah Its ok - but I feel its turning more like the F1 regulations - it will make the racing more interesting for sure - wonder what top speeds we will see..

[zadok]

They love moving the goal posts! Didn't I hear somewhere about a breakaway from the official governing body, being contemplated? Might be some other class or whatever, I can't remember. Did anyone else hear anything?

[Marknz]

You're not thinking about the new formula to compete with the F1 racing are you? I think it's called A1 and will supposedly be country vs country type raicng. I know Jerry Clayton has come up with millions to support the NZ team effort, but I haven't heard who our driver might be yet.

As for top speeds? I doubt that it'll be any more than a couple of years in the new class and we'll see the 330kph's that the current bikes are doing... that's development for you.

[zadok]

You're not thinking about the new formula to compete with the F1 racing are you? I think it's called A1 and will supposedly be country vs country type raicng. I know Jerry Clayton has come up with millions to support the NZ team effort, but I haven't heard who our driver might be yet.

You might be right.

[John]

Nah if you follow the F1 you will notice how stringent their regulations have become - it does make the racing less predictible - but I preferr just watching everyone go hard at it for 60laps not conserving tires and stuff, anyway its not about F1.

As for the new regulations - I could see some benifits and they will be pulling out around the same speeds relatively quick one would think, But I preferr "if the racings good dont change it"

[James Deuce]

(snip)wonder what top speeds we will see..

They'll be exceeding current top speeds by 20 km/hr with 12 months of the new rules coming into force - Why? Because engineers will find solutions to keep the power and torque outputs roughly the same with less capacity available to begin with, but those same advances will uncover new ways to increase power. But. It will get bloody expensive to do.

By 2015 the class will be back to 500cc, and the 250GP class will be four stroke - and putting out 100bhp.

[Motu]

And the 2 stroke ban is just tossed in as an afterthought eh? No body races them anymore so what's the problem? They are more than just racing rules...

[erik]

Any idea why they're changing the rules?

Going to lower cc bikes seems like a step backwards.

The engineers are already doing all they can to get as much horsepower as possible out of the engines, I doubt that they'll be able to match the current machines' horsepower as easily as some of you suggest.

[James Deuce]

Any idea why they're changing the rules?

Going to lower cc bikes seems like a step backwards.

The engineers are already doing all they can to get as much horsepower as possible out of the engines, I doubt that they'll be able to match the current machines' horsepower as easily as some of you suggest.

They only think they are. All it takes for an engineer to drastically improve performance or process is to motivate him by restricting him.

It just takes money - F1 is a good case in point for how lap times decrease despite smaller engines, less rubber on the road, and less aerodymanic grip.

[Marknz]

Any idea why they're changing the rules?

Going to lower cc bikes seems like a step backwards.

The engineers are already doing all they can to get as much horsepower as possible out of the engines, I doubt that they'll be able to match the current machines' horsepower as easily as some of you suggest.

I'm no expert, but maybe they're worried about the excalating costs, and the fact that the bikes are becoming a little too fast for even the modern circuits? I don't know, but just a couple of thoughts to put out there for discussion.

[James Deuce]

I'm no expert, but maybe they're worried about the excalating costs, and the fact that the bikes are becoming a little too fast for even the modern circuits? I don't know, but just a couple of thoughts to put out there for discussion.

They only have to look at F1 to see how restricing engine capacity increases cost. F1 are going to V8s next year. Within 12 months they'll be putting out 8-900BHP like the current V10s, but they'll be made of stuff that can only be found on Titan. Large capacity engines give more scope for tuning engine character and rideability, but given that the Honda is reputed to be capable of 260HP, 300BP isn't that far around the corner. That would mean top speeds in the 350Km/hr range - and a hell of a hole in an air fence if anything happened to the brakes at the end of a long straight.

[k14]

Yeah I head about that rule change last year sometime, think thats just a confirmation.

I think that some of the lower budget teams are still allowed to use the 990cc engine but has to be under a certain power, so long as they stay at the back of the grid no one will care.

I thought the main reason for them doing it was the "safety", to make the bikes go slower.