After the Highs, and lows, of 2011 we are rapidly hurtling towards the 2012 MotoGP Season, with new rules in 2 of the classes it looks as though we could have a season to remember... MotoGP.. The Premier Class has a return to the Big Boys Bikes in 2012, 1000cc madness, and also the intruiging addition of thr CRT (Claiming Rule Team) Bikes, Basically Production based motors (not to dissimilar to WSBK Motors) in anything goes Chassis. Moto2, or the Axemurderers as they like to be known, Continues with the Popular Control Engine format that its had since its inception, with 2 confirmed brits in Bradley Smith & Scott Redding already on the grid, and the possibility of Gino Rea riding for Gresini Moriwaki, it is a class for brits to keep an eye on! Moto3, New for 2012 is the replacement for the two stroke 125 class, Moto3, with 4 stroke 250cc single cylinder engines plonked into 125cc sized chassis, this also brings new & old manufacturers back into the fold, with Honda, KTM returning and several new Engine suppliers. Plenty of brits in this class, Danny Kent Being one of the early bookies faves for overall glory on the Ajo Motorsport Factory KTM. As we get confirmation of confirmed rides etc i will update this thread Accordingly....
Craig, Why have they decided to go with production based engines? I thought the idea of GP bikes was that they were prototype engines?
Rob, the decision to offer the use of production based motors is to increase & stabilise Grid numbers, they will get a few perks, will be lighter & have more fuel than their Prototype counterparts. The 'Factory' Prototype engines will remain still
I was dead against moto2, but I stand corrected! Was dead against CRT, but think it's the way forward the more I think about it. Gp racing is prototype racing, yes engine development is as important as other areas, but surely we've nearly reached the limit of what we need from a motorcycle engine?? Or what we will be allowed! If we go a more CRT route (which I think it will as the manufactures slowly depart from motogp) we will end up with an f1 setup with teams buying engines then developing bikes which will still mean suspension, chasis, electronic etc development which will then filter down to wsb and therefore our bikes which is good for us. Do we really need manufacturers in grand prix racing? Or prototype bikes designed by teams equally powered (they are fast enough) closely matched making great racing, whereby it's more about the rider than the bike... Moto2 works for me and so will CRT motogp when it all goes this way. What's everyone elses thoughts?
It think it will be ok, especially for spectators at the actual race meets, there will be racing amongst the CRT class, as for us tv viewers I'm not sure. The front runners will be seen, however getting past backmarkers will add a bit more exitement. Lets hope for a good season with the front runners not winging that the slower machines are causing them problems.
First pics: James Ellison's Aprilia MotoGP CRT bike | Bikesport News | News Wouldn't be my kinda bike......
