PICS: Suter-BMW 1000cc MotoGP machine

Eskil Suter used this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix at Misano to publically unveil a 1000cc MotoGP design, powered by a BMW engine (more pictures below).

The Swiss designer, whose Moto2 chassis has won two races in the new 600cc class this season, also stated that he has an agreement in place with the Marc VDS Team - which currently races in Moto2 - to use the new bike in the 2012 MotoGP World Championship.

MotoGP technical rules are changing from 800cc to 1000cc for the 2012 season, when modified production engines will also be eligible and concessions made for non-factory ('Claiming Rule') teams, which Suter is aiming his product at.

"We're going the same way as we did in Moto2," explained Suter, his words reported by the official MotoGP website. "First we build the motorcycle which we use as a development carrier and we now have more than a year in which to develop a competitive bike. I think our way of working shows it's the right one, especially when we see many riders in the Moto2 class in the top ten regularly. I hope we can have similar success in MotoGP."

And why the BMW S1000RR engine?

"It's a very competitive engine already in a standard configuration, and I think it has a lot of potential to further improve for the future," said Suter. "It's also a similar shape to the 600cc Honda engine so our chassis concept from Moto2 can be carried over into the MotoGP one. As a test rider we will start by using Carmelo Morales and further down the line we will need to see which team we are working closely with, and then we will decide the test rider.

"We have had confirmation from Marc van der Straten (Marc VDS Racing Team President) that he will support us in developing this bike for 2012, and also his aim is to participate in MotoGP in 2012. I hope by that stage we have a very competitive bike available for his team."