MOTOGP »

500cc twins join 250 replacement list

By Mike Nicks

As the MotoGP circus packed up on Sunday night to head for Barcelona next week, rumours in the paddock at Mugello say that the plan to replace 250cc two-strokes with a cheaper 650cc four-stroke four-cylinder class in 2011 may be reopened in a meeting at the Catalunya GP.

The option of a category for 500cc four-stroke twins may be discussed by the Grand Prix Commission in Spain, it appears.

Meeting in Mugello, the MSMA, which represents the motorcycle manufacturers, discussed a scheme under which one factory would produce the four-cylinder engine, of between 600 and 650cc.

The engine would then be supplied to companies that supported the class, but they would design their own chassis.

The formula would be similar to the car racing world's GP2 class, except that there Renault provide both the engines and chassis.

But the alternative for 500cc twins may reopen the debate in Barcelona.

KTM and Aprilia, the leading manufacturers of 250GP machines, have both cast doubt on their participation in any such four-stroke class.

Aprilia intends to return to the premier MotoGP class in the near future.