The new Moto2 class of the MotoGP World Championship will be replacing the 250cc class starting in 2010. The machines, powered by Honda 600cc inline-fours, will produce around 150 horsepower. 

Teams will all have the same Honda powerplant encapsulated in the frame, but frame’s design, composition, and fabrication will be totally up to the race team. Putting the power to the ground and keeping the bikes on course around the tight corners will be tires supplied solely by Dunlop.

With engine and tire limitations aside, the chassis is free from limitation, and production-bike parts are not permitted for the frame, swing arm, fuel tank, seat or cowling. The electronic systems will be limited to a cost of 650 euros and the only allowable electronics are data loggers, ECU and timing transponders. The 250cc class utilized traction control; that's not allowed in Moto2.

 

Interest in the Moto2 class was so great that at its inception, the International Racing Teams Association received 47 applications with a total of 91 rider entries. Permission was granted to 27 teams and 41 riders to take place in the Moto2 class. Those teams have until Oct. 2, 2009 to confirm the details of their entry by outlining the team structure, machines to be used, and riders contracted.

Moto2 bikes made their debut on the track at the CEV Buckler, the Spanish National Road Racing Championship, lining up with premier class 1000cc Extreme machines and fairing quite well for the displacement difference. Moto2 class bikes have finished as high as fifth and seventh among those 1000cc Extreme machines.