Fuel limits hold the key

Valentino Rossi believes the new fuel capacity regulations for the 800cc MotoGP world championship will add an intriguing dimension to the season.

Race bosses slashed fuel capacity from 22 litres to 21 litres for 2007 as a safety measure, and it has become one of the focal points for engineers and riders to concentrate on this winter.

Five-times premier class world champion Rossi said: “We have been working a lot in the mapping of the engine which is very important. For this year I think it is critical the fuel consumption. 

“Everybody needs to pay a lot of attention to the fuel. 21 litres is possible but you need to arrive at the limit to use 21 litres. Not at 19 because with this bike more fuel makes a big difference compared to the 990. 

“Last year if you had more power you had a lot of control. With this bike more power means faster, so fuel has a more direct influence. We will make more kilometres to calculate exactly how to use 20 litres and 95 centimetres of fuel.”