16 new teams registered interest in MotoGP 2012

Strong interest in 2012 MotoGP World Championship.

The FIM has revealed that 16 new teams registered an interest in joining the MotoGP World Championship for the 2012 season.

“IRTA has received submissions from 16 teams not currently participating in the MotoGP class,” read an FIM statement.

“After reviewing the initial applications with Dorna it has been decided to provide further information to 14 [of the 16] teams containing 21 riders. Those teams will now be provided with a prospectus containing full details of the terms and conditions of participation.

“Teams who wish to proceed with their applications will then have until Saturday 14 May to submit comprehensive details of their plans for participation. These applications will be reviewed at Le Mans and teams will be notified of an acceptance, a rejection or pending status.

“Accepted teams will then have until Friday 3 June, the first day of the Catalunya Grand Prix, to lodge a security deposit with IRTA. A final list of accepted teams will then be published.”

MotoGP will enter a new era for 2012 when engine capacity will increase from 800cc to 1000cc - albeit with limits on cylinder bore to restrict revs - while a new category of Claiming Rule Teams will also be introduced.

These privateer teams will benefit from fuel-tank capacity and engine-change concessions relative to teams using full factory-built prototypes.

Unless the likes of BMW or Aprilia are planning a MotoGP entry - any new manufacturers are also entitled to more engine changes than present factory-bike teams - it is assumed that the 16 interested teams were pitching for a CRT place.

Applications were not required from existing teams already participating in the MotoGP class.

The MotoGP grid currently stands at 17 full time riders. A figure of 22-24 is thought to be the target for 2012.