800cc limit for MotoGP

From 2007, the maximum engine size for the MotoGP class will be 800cc, a reduction of 190cc from current regulations.

The change was announced following a meeting of the Grand Prix Commission on Thursday, June 4, immediately prior to the Mugello MotoGP round. The commision consists of Dorna Chairman Carmel Ezpeleta, the FIM’s Claude Danis, Sito Pons from IRTA and Tanakao Tsubouchi (MSMA).

As reported in MCN, June 6, the change has aroused controversy int he paddock. In 2004, the MSMA anounced that the limit for 2007 would be 900cc at the request of Honda, but the Japanese firm has been at the forefront of the push to limit engines even more at 800cc.

The maximum fual tank capacity will also be reduced by one litre, to a top limit fo 21 litres.

Many in the paddock feel that the claimed aim of slowing the MotoGP class to improve safety will not be achieved with highly-tuned 800cc machines and spiralling development costs.

For more analysis of the rul change and the reactions from the teams and riders, see MCN, out June 8, 2005.

Other rule changes from the meeting include the deletion of article 1.2.2, which stated all events int he Championship must cater for all three classes, and the change to ride through penalties during the race, which no longer allows the rider to stop during the pit ride through.

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