Moto2 likely to remain single engine beyond 2012

The Moto2 world championship is likely to remain a one-make engine series after 2012.

A three-year contract for Honda to supply the engines for the intermediate Grand Prix class expires at the end of next year.

When the 600cc four-stroke class was first introduced as a replacement for 250cc two-stroke world championship in 2010, the intention was to have open competition for engines from ’13 onwards, allowing engines like Yamaha’s R6, Suzuki’s GSX-R600 and Kawasaki’s ZX-6R to compete.

But after meetings during last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, it seems the current format will remain and a single make engine rule will continue for the foreseeable future to save costs.

Representatives from the 20 teams granted a place on the grid next year are due to meet tomorrow (Friday) at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia to discuss the engine plan.
According to MCN sources, most are in favour are continuing with the single format, while also continuing to use a modified version of Honda’s CBR600RR motor. The extension would be for another two years until the end of 2014.

There is concern inside the paddock that a change to the existing rules would increase costs on teams already facing financial difficulty because of the on-going impact of the global economic crisis.

Chassis costs would certainly increase with teams having to make modifications for different engine casings.