Norton continuing MotoGP talks for 2012

Norton continues to be in regular contact with Dorna about a potential 2012 entry in the new 1000cc MotoGP class.

But Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said there was still no guarantee that the legendary British brand would be involved next season, confirming that Norton boss Stuart Garner had been in talks with Inmotec about taking over the Spanish-based V4 project, which failed to race as previously planned in selected races during 2010.

MCN understands that Norton has also been locked in talks with Austrian company KTM about a technical collaboration involving the 1000cc RC8 motor.

Ezpeleta added: “Norton has a very good plan on paper and they have been speaking with Inmotec. They send letters asking for participation agreements but we have told them that when they tell us with what bike and engine they will participate, then we can proceed. But I have had a lot of discussions with Norton.”

Norton recently showed off exclusive drawings of a V4 1000cc motor to MCN.