In 2012, MotoGP will switch to a “NASCARized” formula with look-alike four-valve, round-bore, four-cylinder 1000cc engines. The present 800cc packages may also continue to be used. All who take the “liter option” will likely build to the maximum bore permitted, making their engines 81.0 x 48.4mm for an actual displacement of 997.6cc.
Tucked away in the new 2012 technical rules is a controversial plan to allow teams to use production-based engines. This has clearly been done to repopulate grids that have shrunk with the departure of Kawasaki and downturn in world economies. It is a bold plan because it takes the risk that World Superbike will pursue legal action to keep “prototype” racing (MotoGP) separate from production-based racing (WSB).
Now comes notice that at least one team—Marc VDS, currently competing in Moto2—has definite plans to move to MotoGP with a production-based engine. Team boss Marc van der Straten has sought the cooperation of Eskil Suter, a Swiss former 250cc racer who turned to motorcycle construction in 1996. From 2003 to 2006, Suter built the chassis for Kawasaki’s MotoGP team and now has 35 employees at work in Turbenthal. A complete Suter Moto2 bike is 75,710 Euro ($108,417) or, if you supply your own wheels, brakes and suspension, 55,710 Euro. A BMW S1000RR-powered Suter, eligible for MotoGP in 2012, now exists.
Future MotoGP teams using production-based engines, such as the inline-Four BMW that Marc VDS plans to use, are allowed 24 liters of fuel rather than the 21 permitted to prototypes, and each rider may use as many as 12 engines per season. There is, however, a drawback: These are Claiming Rule Teams (CRT), so any production-based engine may be claimed for 20,000 Euros ($28,640). This limits the amount a team such as Suter Marc VDS can sensibly spend on developing engine power.
Will the lower costs of running a production engine put an end to the long-established practice of second-level teams leasing complete bikes from the manufacturers? Maybe not. Dorna provides important direct funding for such teams, and this, to a degree, sets them free from making a purely financial decision on what engine to use.
A programming fault prevented the new Suter Marc VDS from attempting serious lap times at a recent test, but it will happen soon. Interested parties are keeping close watch.
German Supersport champion Damian Cudlin is helping with development of the BMW-powered Suter Marc VDS MotoGP entry.
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