FTR confirms MotoGP expansion plan

British chassis specialists FTR has confirmed it is working on a new project for the 1000cc MotoGP world championship in 2012.

The Buckingham-based company is working on a chassis for the Spanish-based BQR squad, which was one of six teams recently awarded a place on the 2012 grid.

The BQR project will feature a highly tuned Kawasaki ZX-10R motor and FTR Moto Director Steve Bones said: “We will design and build the machine with BQR and following evaluation it was a Kawasaki motor that has been chosen for the project. This presents a great opportunity for FTR to become involved with this new initiative and a new era in MotoGP.”

FTR has already enjoyed great success in the new 600cc four-stroke Moto2 class, winning four races in the inaugural series in 2010.

And it looks certain to be involved in all three classes having also unveiled plans to enter the new Moto3 class, which will replace the current two-stroke 125cc class in 2012 with 250cc single-cylinder four-strokes.

Bones added: “We are working with an engine partner on a Moto3 project at present and speaking to Honda about its Moto3 motor. I would hope to be able to announce something in the near future about the FTR Moto3 world championship plans.”