MotoGP sees a few small changes for 2010, with the big jump back to 1000cc machines coming in 2012
The FIM recently released a host of changes to the 2010 Grand Prix rules as well as further information on the 2012 MotoGP-class regulations. The Grand Prix commission met on February 17 and unanimously decided on the following amendments to the current GP regulations.
2010 MotoGP and Moto2 Changes
Effective immediately, tire pressure sensors are no longer permitted in all classes, thus meaning teams monitoring pressure levels in real-time will be a thing of the past. This is no doubt aimed to help the support teams, some of which can’t afford the technology to do this.
The max fuel pressure of 10-Bar in the
MotoGP ranks has been eliminated, allowing unlimited fuel pressure delivery. No exact details as to the origins of this were released or any kind of explanation why.
As for Moto2, more detailed regulations in regards to the spec engine have been announced. First off, the use of the complete engine is mandatory, which includes the cases, covers and everything contained within. It also includes the following external parts: Fuel system, airbox, air filter, fuel pump and regulator, throttle bodies, intakes manifolds, intake funnels, fuel injectors (primary and secondary), fuel delivery lines and hoses, as well as the electrical system, generator, ECU and ignition coils.
A host of more detailed Moto2 information was released, including the announcement that a dyno will be use to measure engine performance to keep the playing field level.
All of the above will be provided by the official supplier,
Honda, and may not be modified in any way except by said supplier and they will do so equally for all competitors in the field. The engine design and spec can be changed at any time with the co-agreement of Honda and the series organizer.
Engine performance will also be monitored by the supplier with a standardized dyno in similar conditions and must be with the set range agreed upon by the series organizer and Honda. The addition of a dyno is totally new to the rules package.
Also new is an amendment stating that any team who believes its engine is under performing may request a new one at the set cost of 20,000 Euro, to be paid to IRTA. If the series technical director believes there is enough proof of substandard performance a replacement engine may be issued with the approval of race direction at the next event.
After the replacement engine is provided the original will be returned to the supplier at the end of the race where the complaint was logged to be tested under standard conditions, after which a report will be sent to the technical director. If the engine proves to be within specified performance parameters and fit for use, the same engine will be returned to the team the following race and the 20,000 Euro deposit will be lost. On the other hand, if the engine does not meet the specifications or is found unfit for use, a replacement engine will be issued and the deposit will be returned in full.
As for the minor details, 125cc GP must run numbers both up front and on either side of the motorcycle, while MotoGP and Moto2 are only required a front number for 2010.
Rossi has been a big supporter of going back to 1000cc machine in MotoGP. Question is: Will he still be racing in 2012 when it does come to fruition?
Slightly more detailed information about MotoGP returning to 1000cc machines was agreed upon in the same meeting.
The previously stated four cylinder and 81mm bore maximum remains, though now weight numbers have been agreed upon. Teams continuing to use 800cc machines will have a minimum of 150 kg (330-lb), while those with 1000s must be at least 153 kg (336.6-lb). The max number of engines per season remains at six for all prototypes, while the fuel tank capacity will be 21 liters (5.53 gallons).
Also released were more regulations for the Claiming Rule Teams, or CRT’s. These are the teams which plan to use semi-production based engines, which, as the name suggests, can presumably be claimed by other teams and/or the organizers for a set price at any given time. Full details for these rules won’t come out until the end of May, though the latest release stated they are allowed 12 engines per season and a max fuel capacity of 24 liters (6.32 gallons), both seemingly aimed to try and give the CRT teams more of a fighting chance against the prototypes.
