2012 MotoGP CRT
In effort to boost grid numbers, the new Claiming Rule Teams will be allowed in MotoGP starting in 2012.
Each "CRT" will be a privateer entry that will be allowed to have certain flexibility in fuel-tank capacity and engines, making them competitive to run with the factory teams.
And as MotoGP is about to embark on a new chapter with CRTs and the 1000cc engine capacity, the San Carlo Honda Gresini team reported Tuesday that it will join British manufacturer FTR Moto and enter a second bike to compete as a CRT in 2012 MotoGP.
San Carlo Honda Gresini’s first entry will be the prototype RC213V ridden by newly-signed Alvaro Bautista. Most likely due to finances, it’d be easier to field just one prototype and a CRT rather than two prototypes as San Carlo Honda Gresini did in 2011 MotoGP with former pilots Hiroshi Aoyama and the late Marco Simoncelli.
San Carlo Honda Gresini reports that the new FTR MGP12 machine will assemble an Honda CBR1000 R engine and will begin testing soon with a rider soon to be announced as the team embarks on the necessary technical development ahead of the new campaign.
Fausto Gresini (Gresini MotoGP Team Owner) says: "It is a source of great satisfaction that we have reached an agreement with FTR Moto to take part in the new MotoGP series, CRT. The battle between the Claiming Rule Teams will be an exciting one and we are entering it with great enthusiasm.
"Our willingness to take part was always based on the condition that we had the right technical partner and with FTR Moto and a Honda CBR 1000R engine we believe we can build a competitive bike for this new category. It is a new adventure that appeals to our racing spirit and it could prove to be the future of MotoGP. We will work our hardest and I am sure we will have great results together."
Steve Bones (CEO – FTR moto) says: "We are absolutely delighted to start up a partnership with Team San Carlo Honda Gresini and to join them on a new adventure in MotoGP. Team Gresini have shown over the years that they are technically competent, as their numerous successes prove, and we are sure that will continue alongside FTR on this new adventure. The growing interest in the new MotoGP-CRT category is exciting for all of us and we can’t wait to get on track as soon as possible to start developing the bike and breaking new technical boundaries."
Pic shows San Carlo Honda Gresini RC213V pilot Alvaro Bautista