Carmelo Ezpeleta: At the Malaysia tests we hope to have defined the regulations for 2012

Friday, 15 January 2010

The CEO of Dorna Sports is confident an agreement can be reached with manufacturers with regards to the technical details which will regulate MotoGP.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports S.L, has spoken at Wrooom 2010 in Madonna de Campiglio this week about the changes that will be introduced for the 2012 MotoGP season.

“During the MotoGP tests next month in Malaysia, we will hold meetings with the manufacturers to finish defining the important details for the regulation of MotoGP from 2012, as well as the tank capacity and weight of the bike. If we arrive at a consensus we could have the technical regulations before the start of the Championship.”

As reported at the time, in a meeting last December between the representatives who govern MotoGP (IRTA, Dorna and MSMA) the Grand Prix Commission agreed to change the maximum capacity of engines in the premier class to 1000cc for the 2012 season. It was also decided that there will be a limit of four cylinders and a maximum cylinder bore diameter of 81mm.

With regards to a possible earlier implementation of the rules in 2011, Ezpeleta said: “At the moment we are not contemplating bringing it forward, but if the manufacturers ask for it altogether, we can evaluate it.”

The head of the company which owns the rights to MotoGP is convinced that the new regulations will allow the ideal number of 22 riders to be reached with the entry of new manufacturers, and will not require Dorna to go in search of new constructors.

“We will not and have never tried to convince anyone to come and compete,” said Ezpeleta. “They should be interested in coming themselves. We speak with everybody from all around the world, but never send anybody to convince a manufacturer to come and compete in our Championship.”

Turning to Moto2, Ezpeleta confirmed that the entry list of teams that will shape the grid of 39 riders for the inaugural 2010 season will be announced early next month.

In the 125cc class, in which technical regulations must remain stable until 2014, Ezpeleta does not foresee any changes in the short term.

“We will see,” he said. “For the moment the category is in good shape, so if it continues in its role of introducing new riders from around the world, this is good. If that changes, we will talk to all those involved – as we always do – and seek a solution.”