MOTOGP » EXCLUSIVE Herve Poncharal (Tech 3): Moto2 - Q&A

Generally sounds good, particularly if we all accept that the fundamentals of GP racing will be changed forever! I still think it would have been better to have used prototype 400cc twins.

Still a big risk for an emerging rider to move to this class. Not only do you have the possibility of the results being determined by chassis design over rider ability (as we've seen in F1 this year), but the budgetary constraints mean only having 1 bike per rider rather than the two allotted in MotoGP. That's quite a deficit when it comes to crashes, incidents, rain-interrupted practices, races etc.

I was surprised to hear Poncharal mention Bradley Smith, as I think he's already been asked by Aspar to stay in 125s (unless he jumps ship of course). J.Simon is apparently the Aspar rider moving to Moto2.

cant wait for motogp2 dont watch 250cc anymore..

VRob

Cream always rise to the top. The top 250 teams will be the top Moto2 teams. The Aprilia and Aspar and the lot will be at the top along with the MotoGP teams in the class. I don't think it's a risk for the riders who want to be in the MotoGP paddock and current 125 and 250 riders. Really, what's riskier - going to Moto2 or leaving the GP paddock for WSS or WSBK with hopes to return to GPs? If you want to be in MotoGP I think it would make a whole lot of sense to try and get a ride with Tech 3 or Gresini who actually have a MotoGP team.

It's certainly a logical - in fact the only - progression for a 125 or former 250 rider now. And I agree it's not so great a risk for a rider "leaving the GP paddock for WSS or WSBK with hopes to return to GPs", but then that rider probably wouldn't be what I referred to as an 'emerging' one anyway.

I guess I'm thinking more of guys from production-based classes like WSBK and WSS, who might risk their career progress on unproven machinery in a brand new championship where superior design *might* overcome rider skill. It's an unknown quantity for now.

Interesting btw, to finally hear HP's explanation on the lack of testing by Tech 3 (though he does admit to tight budget restrictions)

Good luck with it Herve if you go ahead with racing in Moto2.

Great insight in the class and a good interview. He really answers the questions with detail and honesty, you don't see that very often nowadays.

Anyway I'm extremely excited for this new class, seeing all those different chassis' on the road with a lot of talented young riders... It's gonna be awesome.

i believe moto2 will become as successful as other race series that adopts "one-engine multi-chassis" formula - formula ford that is. in terms of chassis design, the principal between both series couldn't be any different - both rely heavily on mechanical grip and aerodynamics only play little part in performance.

simply cannot wait!

I'll get firebombed for this but WTH. The Moto2 class is a good idea, with perhaps a suboptimal execution. The parallels to the now defunct AMA FX class seem pretty obvious. Highly tuned 600cc production based engines. Latest racing slicks, Lots of Suspension and braking goodies. Essentially 600cc Superbikes with development costs at or near those of a true superbike! The Moto2 class will of course have the benefit of purpose built chassis. Honda excelled in that class and now have the engine contract for Moto2. The guys who ran at the top of the 600 SS class also ran well at the top of FX. IMO a good 250 rider will go well on a Moto2 bike but don't rule out a top flight SS pilot like Cal.

This is going to be awesome!

Oh and the interview was cool. Herve is a very cool dude!