GP to Replace 250cc Class With 600cc
GP to replace 250cc class with 600cc
The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) announced on June 27 that the new class will allow 600cc motorcycles with four-stroke engines and a maximum of four cylinders. The new 600cc category will become the second-tier class of grand prix racing between the 125cc class and the premier MotoGP class which features bikes with 800cc engines. From the series inception in 1949 until 2001, the premier Grand Prix racing class was 500cc.
The rule change was unanimously approved by the Grand Prix Commission which consists of chair Carmelo Ezpleleta, CEO of series promoter Dorna Sports, FIM safety director Claude Danis, International Road Racing Teams Association president Hervé Poncharal and Takanao Tsubouchi, secretary-general of the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association (MSMA) which proposed the change.
The 2011 season will mark the first year that Grand Prix motorcycle racing will not feature a 250cc class. Since the FIM established the Grand Prix series in 1949, every racing season featured a 250cc class as well as a 125cc class.
Grand Prix motorcycle racing has also included 350cc, 80cc and 50cc classes as well as 500cc sidecar classes.
The Grand Prix Commission also approved a rule change to reduce the amount of sulfur allowed in unleaded fuel to 10 mg/kg from 50 mg/kg in 2009.
Years | Classes |
2011 | 800cc (MotoGP), 600cc, 125cc |
2007-2010 | 800cc (MotoGP), 250cc, 125cc |
2002-2006 | 990cc (MotoGP), 250cc, 125cc |
1990-2001 | 500cc, 250cc, 125cc |
1984-1989 | 500cc, 250cc, 125cc, 80cc |
1983 | 500cc, 250cc, 125cc, 50cc |
1962-1982 | 500cc, 350cc, 250cc, 125cc, 50cc |
1955-1961 | 500cc, 350cc, 250cc, 125cc |
1949-1954 | 500cc, 350cc, 250cc, 125cc, Sidecar (500cc) |
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