Catalunya MotoGP: Moto2 entry cut to 41 riders

The first round of the selection process for the new Moto2 600cc four-stroke world championship has taken place in Catalunya, with applications from 47 teams cut to 27.

Delegates from the FIM, Dorna and International Race Teams Association have provisionally offered places to 27 teams (41 riders) for the new class, which replaces the current two-stroke 250cc world championship in 2010.

A further 10 teams have been placed on a reserve list and another 10 rejected at the initial selection stage.

When the deadline for entries closed at the Italian GP in Mugello earlier this month, applications were received from 47 teams for 91 riders.

American legend Kenny Roberts has been offered a place despite having no sponsor or team structure in place, while all the current satellite MotoGP teams including Tech 3 Yamaha and Gresini Honda have been given a slot.

Teams now have until the Portuguese GP in Estoril in early October to finalise their plans before the final decision is made on a definitive entry list for next season.

It is still not clear yet how many engines Honda will supply, but MCN understands the grid is likely to feature 38 riders.

An FIM statement said: “Due to the overwhelming interest in this new class and the quality of the initial applications it is the intention of the FIM, Dorna and IRTA to accept an entry significantly larger than the current 250cc class. “