800CC is on the way out in MotoGP

[n10sive]

weeeeeee

The 800cc formula is dead. MotoGP is set to return to 1000cc from 2012, according to a proposal submitted to the Grand Prix Commission at Valencia today. The 800cc bikes have received a deluge of criticism, almost from the moment they were introduced, and that deluge has finally buried them.

The decision has hinged upon a change of mind by the MSMA, the manufacturers association. So far, the manufacturers have been opposed to any changes to the MotoGP formula, partly because high costs of entry created a barrier to new entrants in the class, allowing the existing participants to dominate the class. But the high costs have taken their toll even on the existing manufacturers, and with the future of Suzuki in the class in doubt under the current rules, and even doubt about just how long Honda was prepared to continue, a change was almost inevitable. 2012 is the earliest date it is possible to make the change, as the current 5 year contract that exists between Dorna, the FIM and the MSMA expires at the end of 2011. That contract states that no changes may be made to the engine capacity without a unanimous decision by all of the manufacturers in the MSMA.

The initial proposal was to allow the use of production engines in prototype chassis, but the current proposal makes no mention of production engines at all. MotoMatters.com asked Herve Poncharal about the proposal, and asked whether this was to be production engines or not.

"Nobody's talking about production engines," Poncharal told us. "The Grand Prix Commission is thinking about going back to 1000cc engines. This is more than supported by Dorna, more than supported by Dorna, but the first reaction to this by MSMA is very very positive." The MSMA's new position has been the key difference, Poncharal pointed out, and the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha boss was delighted at this change of heart. "I'm really happy, I'm very happy about that. It looks like there is a consensus, but we have to take it day-by-day."

The fear is, of course, that a change in engine capacity would not be enough to cut costs, and merely create a new class of expensive prototypes. Poncharal said that this would not be allowed to happen: "The whole idea supported by everybody including the MSMA is to get the costs drastically down." Just how to ensure that is a different matter altogether, though. Poncharal admitted it would be difficult, but said that the Grand Prix Commission would not try to solve everything at once. Asked how to ensure that costs didn't once again spiral out of control, Poncharal replied "That's the next question. One day at a time!"

[jlavallee]

It is supposed to be Grand Prix (The Big Prize) so why in the hell would they run production engines? I'm glad to hear they are re-thinking that. If they want to cut costs how about taking off some of the electronics? Having the bike mapped to each corner does squat for real world development and adds costs along with taking some of the rider out of the equation.

The FIM had better be carerful because if they keep trying to restrict things, it might as well be WSBK.

[edmunsan]

Change happens: so far the 125 has been the most reliable and to me most interesting lately.

[Oneup]

Hate to say it but I am a bit dissappointed by this really. I was looking forward to 800cc racing classes. I just don't have much interest in a 1000 cc bike.  Thinking it would be cool if the powers that be could agree on splitting up the classes to SUPERSPORT 600, SUPERBIKE 800 and GP 1000's.  Aren't 1000 overkill for most of the world except the US market?

It would be great to see an 800 class of superbike/superstock race bikes.  Right now there just aren't that many manufactureres making the 750-800cc bikes. Ducs, BMW, ??who else?? The F800R is looking like it could be a great track bike with a little work.

What am I missing? Forgive the ignorance but a high performance 800 is exactly what I am hoping for. 

Moto GP is currently 800cc.  They are going back to the 1000cc platform.

[Oneup]

When they went to 800cc the manufacturers started putting more money into electronics (i.e. traction control).  This made the bikes easier to ride but increased cost.  It also made it so the smaller riders had a significant advantage over heavier riders.  The 1000s had enough power that weight was not such an issue.  It's hard to say what brings better racing.  I personally would like to see the 1000s come back.  The racing seemed closer and the bikes looked to be harder to control.

Remember that Moto GP isn't supposed to be production.  It is based on prototype machines.  Even when the limit was 990cc the public had no chance of getting anything that resembled a gp bike.

[Justin]

WHISKEY TANGO WANTS TO SEE THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THE 500's!!!!!!

All in favor, say "Aye"

aye

[zipbyu]

     This it good for our friend Ben in the moto gp.  His texas size ass will not drag him down.

[Adiggity]

WHISKEY TANGO WANTS TO SEE THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THE 500's!!!!!!

All in favor, say "Aye"

aye

AYE! That would be great but it won't happen. 

I agree with Rossi. I think the 1000's will tighten up the field for sure. My second vote is for going back to the 1000's. 

[Rand]

Dropping to 800 cc meant that there was less torque available.  In order to compensate for this, the engine RPM has to be stratospheric to get the HP requirement.  It ends up being tremendously expensive to build engines.  To try and make up for it, they've put in "reliablility" requirements, limiting the number of engines that can be used for a season.  This has, in turn, increased engine development costs. 
On top of that, the bikes are lighter and have less grunt off the corners.  That combination has dramatically increased corner speeds.  Lap times are coming down, but manufacturers are dropping like flies.

With more torque and lower corner speeds, it's a better rider's contest.
Bring back the 1000s!!  Maybe KR will come back and join the chase!