MOTOGP RETURNS TO LITRE FORMAT FOR 2012

In new regulations published today for MOTOGP, maximum engine capacity has been increased to 1000cc, with a maximum of 4 cylinders and a bore of 81mm. Other moves to reduce complexity include limiting hydraulic or pneumatic equipment actuation to the valve train, specifically excluding engine oil from being used for anything other than lubrication or cooling.

The following statement was released by DORNA and the FIM:

“It was a very important meeting to decide the future of the MotoGP class,” explained Dorna chairman Carmelo Ezpeleta, quoted on motogp.com. “From 2012 the bikes will have an engine capacity of up to 1,000cc, have up to four cylinders and the maximum bore will be 81mm.

“It's a very important measurement, because with this we can have all the characteristics of the engine. This has been approved, and between now and the start of the 2010 season we will have another two meetings to define the rest of the specifications for this new class.”

“The main changes we have decided on are new rules for the MotoGP class,” added FIM President Vito Ippolito. “We will have four-cylinder engines, four-stroke of course, with a 1,000cc maximum. This base will give all the manufacturers the opportunity to start work. At the beginning of next year we will produce the new rules in a more complete format, but that is the basis. 2012 will be the year of a new era of MotoGP.”

FIM regulations for 2012 can be found here.