When MotoGP switched from the 990cc displacement format to the 800cc formula, it was done so on the idea that it would make the premiere racing class safer for the riders. This proved to not be the case, as the 800cc bikes clearly carried more corner speed through turns, and were still able to approach 990cc top speeds on the straight-aways.
The result, a racing class that was more dangerous and more expensive for manufacturers.With this in mind, Dorna Boss, Carmeloa Ezpeleta, wants to return the series back its previous 990cc format, by as early as 2011.
Making the switch won’t be easy for Ezpeleta, as the manufacturers’ cost of tooling down their race bikes from 990cc to 800cc cost them millions of dollars, a cost that likely hasn’t been fully absorbed back yet. As such, many teams would be reluctant to make another switch so soon, even if it is to a displacement that they already have experience with racing.
As Ezpeleta explained, the MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association) has some reprieve from a quick change.
“Right now, it is not going to be possible to switch in 2011, because the agreement with the manufacturers means that we could only make that change before the end of the 2011 season if there was unanimous agreement among the manufacturers. But we are thinking about a return to a 1000cc capacity from the start of the 2012 season, and we will start discussing it this weekend.”
Ezpeleta isn’t the only one wishing for a change in the MotoGP format. FIM President, Vito Ippolito, has been lobbying the fact that MotoGP needs to cut costs, and that he would like to see MotoGP return to a production racing motorcycle format. Also, the IRTA (the association representing the teams), has made it clear it would like a swtich to a larger capacity, preferably modified production motor, racing format.
Source: MotoMatters
Yes please! The change from 500cc two strokes to MotoGP 990cc four strokes was a blow to those of us who love the sound of a two stroke weapon on the pipe.
The 990s still had the catchet of being the baddest if not the biggest bikes on the scene. The drop to 800cc while Superbike was getting bigger diminished the prestige of the class and the increasing reliance on electronics made for a bigger gap between the haves and the have nots. The tyre issue and subsequent control tyre rule; while leveling the playing field in rubber availability, has not made for closer fields. What it has done is to damage the competition between tyre manufacturers. Meaning the rate of advance of the tyres available to you and I has been decreased in the long term.
An increase in capacity could stave off control ECUs and other crap that is being dreamed up to knobble racing and keep the spectacle there for the sponsors and spectators.
The goal behind prototype racing is to drive developement. If MotoGP moves to a production based engine format to keep the class viable, it will be important to ensure that there is a liberal approach to regulations allowing for clever designers to produce the next big thing.
“The change from 500cc two strokes to MotoGP 990cc four strokes was a blow to those of us who love the sound of a two stroke weapon on the pipe.”
Disagree, was at Indy when Schwantz took the Lucky Strike out for a couple lap. I was expecting to be blown away with the song of the oil-burner. Underwhelmed. Could barely hear it in the stands.
Comparably, the Ducati noise will melt your face. If you want to recreate the sound in your driveway, take the exhaust manifold off your car, place ear on on valve cover and have a body floor it.
Like I said Jeff, “..those of us who love the sound of a two stroke weapon on the pipe.”
Two strokes resonate on frequency that encourages irresponsible behaviour. Some very clever scientific chaps proved that about 15 years ago, sorry I can’t cite a reference.
I’m a fan of the various Ducati MotoGP bikes, but there is something about the sound of a two stroke that makes your guts and your nuts quiver.
I still miss my ported up hand grenade of a Yamaha after 16 years. I sold it to pay for my Ducati. I don’t regret it, but I do miss it.
That said, I was making the point that going back to 990cc will improve the spectacle without further emasculation of the class.