Moto2: 250cc replacement class regulations announced

The four-stroke competition set to replace the existing 250cc series in 2011 has been detailed by an official announcement from the FIM, setting out regulations for the new 600cc World Championship. Taking the name of Moto2, the new category is intended to be a prestigious yet cost-effective accompaniment to the MotoGP premier class.

Of the rules confirmed by the FIM this week, the shape of the class will be formed by those pertaining to the bikes´ engine. The 600cc, four-stroke motors will have a maximum speed of 16,000 rpm (for 4-cylinder engines, with 15,000 and 15,500 rpm limits for 2 and 3-cylinder engines, respectively). Adherence to these boundaries will be monitored and controlled by an electronic system, supplied by the FIM´s designated organiser.

Electronic systems themselves will be more limited than those currently permitted in 250cc, which has seen select factories bringing in traction control in recent years. Moto2 rules will allow for data loggers, ECU and timing transponders supplied by the organiser, with a maximum total cost of the ECU´s components set at 650 euros (75,000 yen). No other electronic control, nor datalogging systems, will be present on the bikes.

Moto2 will use standard options in terms of engine and electronics, but will continue the 250cc series´ pursuit of developmental excellence with the running of a prototype chassis -free from limitation. No production bike parts will be permitted for the frame, swing arm, fuel tank, seat and cowling, meaning that these aspects of the machine will also be left to the manufacturer and designers´ discretion.

Carbon brakes like those used in MotoGP will not be a part of the 600cc class, part of the cost-reducing philosophy of the new series. A list from the FIM, detailing outlawed `non-conventional´ materials and manufacturing methods, will be issued in the future, although in most cases a standard of iron-based and aluminium alloys has been put in place.

Moto2 machines will be limited to one per rider, with a maximum of two complete engines. Those engines used in any given race will be available for purchase by rival competitors, for the fixed price of €20,000, in the hour following a Moto2 Grand Prix.

The complete list of Moto2 technical specifications can be found on the FIM website