British Superbike Press Release
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.
Silverstone opens its gates for the penultimate round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (BSB) this weekend (September 26/27), when one of the most competitive two-wheeled race series in the world returns to the famous Northamptonshire circuit.
Leon Camier has carved out a significant lead in the championship and is likely to be crowned 2009 Champion on Sunday. Should the Airwaves Yamaha rider be successful in his quest for the rider's title, there will be a double celebration at the Home of British Motor Racing.
Silverstone will also be celebrating the return of two-wheeled Grand Prix racing to the circuit when the FIM MotoGP World Championship touches down in 2010.
To mark the return of motorcycle racing's premier international series, Silverstone will feature a MotoGP Zone on the Sunday of British Superbikes. In addition to Q&A and Autograph sessions with Moto GP stars from the past and present, a stunning collection of current and classic MotoGP bikes will be on display, including Valentino Rossi's current Yamaha YZR-M1.
“The Doctor’s” bike is being transported over from the FIAT Yamaha MotoGP team base in Italy, and will be displayed alongside Chris Vermeulen's Suzuki GSVR MotoGP bike. Other British Grand Prix classics featured in the display will be a Suzuki XR45-50, raced by Barry Sheene at Silverstone in 1984; Randy Mamola's 1983 HB Gallina XR4500 and one of Rob McElnea's 1984 Carbon XR45 Skoal Bandits, all now owned by Suzuki collector Steve Wheatman.
Randy Mamola, winner of the 1980 and 1984 Grands Prix at Silverstone, will be meeting fans at two Q&A sessions on Sunday 27 September, along with former British World Championship riders Steve Parrish, Jeremy McWilliams, Niall MacKenzie and Rob McElnea. The MotoGP stars will be signing autographs and offering their thoughts on the series' return to The Home of British Motor Racing.
Some of Britain's current 125cc MotoGP riders will also be looking ahead to next year's MotoGP round at Silverstone, including Scott Redding, Danny Webb and Oxfordshire-based Bradley Smith. Eurosport commentator Toby Moody will be hosting the Q&A sessions.
A host of on and off-track entertainment is planned for the Silverstone round of British Superbikes, including:
- Two MCE Insurance British Superbike races
- Fiercely contested support races:
- Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship
- Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Championships (1000 and 600)
- Relentless British 125GP Championship
- National F2 Sidecar Challenge
- Focused Events KTM RC8 Super Cup
- Three giant TV screens, located at Luffield, Abbey and Copse to watch all the drama unfold
- Two Q&A and autograph sessions with the MotoGP legends
- Stunning display of current and classic MotoGP bikes
- An open paddock, enabling fans to get up close and personal with teams and riders
- Free concerts on Saturday evening, featuring Marner Brown and Esoterica
- Free displays from:
- The Bold Dog Freestyle motocross team
- The Red Devils Freefall parachute team
- Performances by extreme stunt rider Craig Jones
- Globe of Death motorcycle stunt show
- Free Funfair
- Free admission for children aged 15 and under*
- Free access to trackside grandstands
- Free parking
As part of Audi's sponsorship of the event this weekend, they are offering the chance for any race-goers on Sunday to sample the International Circuit in a host of Audi machinery! Race-goers will need to register on the day at the Audi merchandise stand in the paddock area to be lucky enough to take part in one of these hot rides.
