The three greatest problems facing MotoGP today are:
1. Lack of 'close racing' at the front of the field, especially compared to WSBK
2. Expense. The costs involved in racing in the MotoGP class are prohibitive leading to small grids.
3. A format too similar to WSBK, a lack of product differentiation.
In my opinion, a return to the two two stroke formula would solve many of these issues. However, maybe a 600cc or 700cc capacity limit instead of the 500cc limit, to ensure WSBK is not faster.
1. The two strokes have repeatedly proven that they are amenable to close racing(see 125cc and 250cc today, and the 500cc era), as there is a real limit as to the extent an engineer can can tame their power delivery. The 500s also demonstrated that they can accommodate several different riding styles.
2. Expense. They key to producing a good two stroke is not simply by spending unreasonable amounts on engineering solutions(unlike the four stroke formula). There is considerable capacity for privateers to use novel solutions to the engineering problems that the two stroke presents, allowing privateers to be competitive without getting into a spending competition. The two stroke engine is an inherently difficult engine to tune, for various reasons. Ideas, not money are the key. The grids will consequently be filled.
3. At the moment, WSBK and MotoGP are very similar in many respects. The casual member of the public is hard pressed to differentiate the two series' from each other with the current four stroke, control tyre format used for both competitions. Of course, fans know that the MotoGP machines are prototypes, whereas Superbikes are modified(albeit extensively) production machines. However, the spectacle is quite similar. Perhaps providing a point of differentiation one can see and hear would assist in differentiating the two series' from each other.
Problems? Honda has historically demonstrated its contempt for the two stroke, from the very beginning with its NR500 project(of which Fukui was intimately involved!). Honda control decisions made in MotoGP to a large extent.
Similarly, one could argue that the manufacturers would desire a prototype series that bears direct resemblance to the product that they sell; two strokes do not easily meet the stringent emission requirements imposed in various markets thus the MotoGP class may be argued to be commercially unviable. Of course, the converse argument could be made; the development of these prototype machines will assist in developing engineering solutions for the 2-Stroke these manufacturers wish to sell. (For more information on this, see the latest experiments being conducted by various entities on Direct Injection and the 2T format).
Lastly, I cannot envisage Ducati being interested in this format. Ducati's tradition is almost exclusively involved with the four stroke engine and it would not make commercial sense to develop a two stroke.
What are your thoughts?
1. Lack of 'close racing' at the front of the field, especially compared to WSBK
2. Expense. The costs involved in racing in the MotoGP class are prohibitive leading to small grids.
3. A format too similar to WSBK, a lack of product differentiation.
In my opinion, a return to the two two stroke formula would solve many of these issues. However, maybe a 600cc or 700cc capacity limit instead of the 500cc limit, to ensure WSBK is not faster.
1. The two strokes have repeatedly proven that they are amenable to close racing(see 125cc and 250cc today, and the 500cc era), as there is a real limit as to the extent an engineer can can tame their power delivery. The 500s also demonstrated that they can accommodate several different riding styles.
2. Expense. They key to producing a good two stroke is not simply by spending unreasonable amounts on engineering solutions(unlike the four stroke formula). There is considerable capacity for privateers to use novel solutions to the engineering problems that the two stroke presents, allowing privateers to be competitive without getting into a spending competition. The two stroke engine is an inherently difficult engine to tune, for various reasons. Ideas, not money are the key. The grids will consequently be filled.
3. At the moment, WSBK and MotoGP are very similar in many respects. The casual member of the public is hard pressed to differentiate the two series' from each other with the current four stroke, control tyre format used for both competitions. Of course, fans know that the MotoGP machines are prototypes, whereas Superbikes are modified(albeit extensively) production machines. However, the spectacle is quite similar. Perhaps providing a point of differentiation one can see and hear would assist in differentiating the two series' from each other.
Problems? Honda has historically demonstrated its contempt for the two stroke, from the very beginning with its NR500 project(of which Fukui was intimately involved!). Honda control decisions made in MotoGP to a large extent.
Similarly, one could argue that the manufacturers would desire a prototype series that bears direct resemblance to the product that they sell; two strokes do not easily meet the stringent emission requirements imposed in various markets thus the MotoGP class may be argued to be commercially unviable. Of course, the converse argument could be made; the development of these prototype machines will assist in developing engineering solutions for the 2-Stroke these manufacturers wish to sell. (For more information on this, see the latest experiments being conducted by various entities on Direct Injection and the 2T format).
Lastly, I cannot envisage Ducati being interested in this format. Ducati's tradition is almost exclusively involved with the four stroke engine and it would not make commercial sense to develop a two stroke.
What are your thoughts?
