MotoGP rules 2012

[wfooshee]

So can anybody 'splain to me in a Reader's Digest condensed book manner what's up with the rules package coming up? During the Brno coverage I heard a reference to the rules announcement for Claiming Rules Teams, and set about the neenernets to see what was up. Not only do I see that there are allowances for those teams (more fuel, more engines per year, etc.) and methods for determining which teams are those teams, I see also that there's even a 1000cc spec for regular teams in addition to the existing 800cc spec for the "factory" teams, again with allowances for fuel and minimum weight.

So it's what, 3 "classes" running together now?

Is this just an attempt to allow "cheaper" bikes a shot at top ten finishes, or what? Of course, top ten doesn't mean as much as it would if tenth was actually the upper half of the grid. . . . .

As for Moto3, I kinda like what I saw. 250cc singles with valves and cams, but not a spec engine.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

So can anybody 'splain to me in a Reader's Digest condensed book manner what's up with the rules package coming up?

I don't think I can -- I think it's multi-, multi-faceted... :huh:

In Kevin Cameron's article in the Sept.'10 issue of CW he says, "A record 55,000 spectators were drawn to the action in Utah (World Superbike -- Miller Motorsports Park)." "These riders race as hard as their tires will let them -- there is no pointless 21-liter MotoGP fuel limit to sap their power. World Superbike is still real racing, not the Mobil Economy Run."

"Electronics are simpler in SBK."

"The Japanese have built streetbikes and homologated them for racing. But the Europeans -- Aprilia, BMW and Ducati -- have built race-bikes and productionized them for sale."(Troy Corser)

"...MotoGP's 2012 plan...schemes to entice manufacturers to put 100 percent into MotoGP and zero into SBK. In economic hard times, the big fish seek market share..."

 

[Randy]

Here's my take on all that I have read so far.

To sum most of it up, they're looking at ways to increase the number of bikes on the grid. And, for the new teams, they're trying to give them a little leeway to make them more competitive (no sense putting a bike on the grid if you can't make it somewhat competitive).

There will be (2) different rule sets that teams can follow in 2012: 1) Factory teams will be allowed allow 1000cc or 800cc engines (the 1000cc engines will have a higher weight minimum) and they can use a max of 6 motors per year; and, 2) Claiming Rules teams will be allowed to run motors up to 1000cc and will be allowed to have 12 motors per year and will have a higher fuel tank capacity. So, in theory, by allowing them to use more motors and by allowing more fuel to be burned, they can put them on a higher state of tune as you don't need as much longevity. However, you have to be careful what you build as the engines could be claimed by other teams. The determination of what teams will be Claiming Rules Teams will be a unanimous vote by the Grand Prix Commission.

Most likely, all the teams you see on the grid now will follow the Factory ruleset and new teams will be Claiming Rules Teams.

Originally, teams were going to have choose which rules they were going to follow at the beginning of the season and stick with them for the year. However, they recently changed it and will allow teams to change classification mid-year.

And, with an added twist, if a new team comes in and applies for Claiming Rule Team, but, doesn't get the unanimous vote, they have to go with the Factory rules, but, can run 9 engines rather than 6.

As an aside, there is also an amendment for the current rules. They added a rule for immediate adoption that states that any manufacturer that did not win a dry race in 2008 or 2009 will be allowed 9 engines in 2010 rather than 6. Very politically correct. They should have just said what they mean. Suzuki (the only active manufacturer that didn't win a dry race in 2008 or 2009) is allowed 9 engines instead of 6 this year.

 

[wfooshee]

Yeah. I think we're seeing why I'm looking for clarification.

I guess there's an attempt both to contain costs and to fill grids. MotoGP has been really humdrum of late. If you start and don't fall, you score points. The racing has all been in the first 2 or 3 laps, then it's parades.

 

[edjo69]

So can anybody 'splain to me in a Reader's Digest condensed book manner what's up with the rules package coming up? During the Brno coverage I heard a reference to the rules announcement for Claiming Rules Teams, and set about the neenernets to see what was up. Not only do I see that there are allowances for those teams (more fuel, more engines per year, etc.) and methods for determining which teams are those teams, I see also that there's even a 1000cc spec for regular teams in addition to the existing 800cc spec for the "factory" teams, again with allowances for fuel and minimum weight.
So it's what, 3 "classes" running together now?

Is this just an attempt to allow "cheaper" bikes a shot at top ten finishes, or what? Of course, top ten doesn't mean as much as it would if tenth was actually the upper half of the grid. . . . .

As for Moto3, I kinda like what I saw. 250cc singles with valves and cams, but not a spec engine.

MCN did a good break down of it in the 2010 season guide:

you can run prototype 1000's with 21litres of fuel and a six engine limit

you can run prototype 800's with the same restrictions (they can be 3kg lighter)

you can run claiming rule 1000's (essentially wsb bikes) 24liters of fuel and 12 engine limit, but you have the whole claiming hassle to potentially deal with if someone wants your bike.

thats the gist of it.