Moto3 Class Confirmed for 2012

The FIMs Grand Prix Commission met Aug. 14 during the MotoGP round at the Czech Rebulics Brno circuit and finalized the structure of the new Moto3 class. The new class will feature motorcycles powered by single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke engines with a maximum bore of 81mm. Moto3 will replace the 125cc class as the third tier of the Grand Prix World Championships in 2012, joining the Moto2 class and the premier MotoGP class.

Moto3 engines should be engineered to last at least three races, and should cost not cost more than a specified amount, tentatively set to be 10,000 euros (US$12,900). Unlike the single-spec Moto2 class, the Moto3 class will be open to multiple manufacturers. Each participating manufacturer is expected to be able to supply engines for at least 15 riders.

As previously established, the 2012 season will also see the MotoGP class switch to 1000cc engines from the current 800cc engines. The Moto2 class, which debuted this year, uses single-spec 600cc Honda engines. The new Moto3 class will also signal the end of the two-stroke Grand prix era.

The Grand Prix Commission also established a new exception to the MotoGP class engine limit rule. Normally, MotoGP teams are limited to six engines per rider for the entire 18-race season. At Brno, the Grand Prix Commission announced manufacturers from the Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers Association which did not win at least two dry races in 2008 and 2009 will be allowed to use up to nine engines.

Suzuki is the beneficiary of the new exception, as it is the only manufacturer currently taking part in MotoGP that has not won a race in the last two seasons. Rizla Suzuki riders Loris Capirossi and Alvaro Bautista are already near the six engine limit with eight of 18 rounds remaining in the season. Riders using engines beyond the set limit will be penalized by having to start races from the end of pit lane with a ten second penalty.

Related Reading
125cc GP Class May Be Replaced by Moto3
MotoGP Moving to 1000cc in 2012
New Rules for 1000cc-Era MotoGP Class