Posted by Andrew on November 9, 2010

Category: Motorsports

The GP Commission has finally announced the details on the upcoming Moto3 class, which will replace the 125cc 2-stroke category in 2012. The new machines will use a four-stroke 250cc single-cylinder engine with an 81mm maximum bore size. The organisers wanted to make the class cheaper than the current entry-level category so teams can only implement limited level of electronics and the engine will have a maximum rpm of 14,000. With multiple manufacturers able to offer engines and chassis for the new class, Moto3 should be more open than the Moto2.

The new rules contain few surprises

The new rules contain few surprises

Moto3 Technical Regulations:

Engine

  • 4-stroke reciprocating piston engines only.
  • Engine capacity: maximum 250cc.
  • Single cylinder only.
  • Maximum bore size: 81mm. No oval pistons.
  • Engines must be normally aspirated. No turbo-charging, no super-charging.
  • Crankshaft speed limited to maximum: 14,000 rpm.*
  • Maximum of 1 ignition driver.*
  • Maximum of 4 valves.
  • Pneumatic and/or hydraulic valve systems are not permitted.
  • Valves timing system drive must be by chain.
  • Variable valve timing and/or variable valve opening systems are not permitted.

Engine Supply

  • The engine is defined as the complete engine including intake system (throttle body, injectors), and one complete transmission.
  • The maximum price of the engine must not exceed 12,000 Euro. No optional parts or service contracts may be used to circumvent this price limit.
  • Each engine manufacturer must undertake to supply sufficient engines and spare parts to supply minimum 15 riders per season, if requested.
  • Each engine manufacturer must submit a spare parts price and lead-time list for the season for approval by the Organiser, and may not charge more than these published prices. Approval is based on the prices and lead-times being in line with current market norms for these parts and technologies.
  • In the event of engine updates or upgraded parts being developed, these must be made available to all customers at the same time, and respecting the price limits described above.

Inlet & Fuel System

  • Variable-length inlet tract systems are not permitted.
  • Only one throttle control valve is permitted, which must be controlled exclusively by mechanical means (eg. cable) operated by the rider only. No other moving devices (except injectors) are permitted in the inlet tract before the engine intake valve. No interruption of the mechanical connection between the rider’s input and the throttle is allowed.
  • Idle speed adjustment by means of an air bypass system, controlled by the ECU is allowed.*
  • Fuel injectors must be located upstream of the engine intake valves.
  • Maximum of 2 fuel injectors and 2 independent fuel injector drivers.*
  • Fuel pressure must not exceed 5.0 bar.
  • Other than engine sump breather gases, only air or air/fuel mixture is permitted in the inlet tract and combustion chamber.
  • Fuel must comply with the FIM “Moto3” specification (tba).

Exhaust system

  • Variable length exhaust systems are not permitted.
  • Noise limit will be a maximum of 115 dB/A, measured in a static test.
  • No moving parts (e.g. valves, baffles…) are allowed in the exhaust system.

Transmission

  • A maximum of 6 gearbox speeds is permitted.
  • A maximum of 2 alternate gear ratios for each gearbox speed, and 2 alternate ratios for the primary drive gear is permitted. Teams will be required to declare the gearbox ratios for each gear used at the beginning of the season.
  • Electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic clutch actuating systems are not permitted.

Ignition, Electronics & Data-Logging

  • Only the ignition/fuel injection control units (ECU) approved by the series Organiser are allowed.

This ECU must remain unmodified in hardware and software, as delivered by the Organiser. The only permitted changes are the setting (tuning) options included in the software.

The Technical Director may require the team to change the ECU on any machine for another standard one at any time.

  • This official ECU will include an engine rpm limiter.
  • Only the standard Data Logger system approved by the series Organiser may be used.

* All the parameters identified by this symbol are set/controlled via the above mentioned ECU.

Chassis

  • Chassis must be a prototype, the design and construction of which is free within the constraints of the FIM Grand Prix Technical Regulations.
  • Minimum total weight of Motorcycle + Rider: 148kg
  • Brake discs must be made from an iron-based alloy.
  • Suspension systems must be of a conventional passive, mechanical type. Active and semi-active suspension systems and/or electronic control of any aspect of the suspension and ride height is not permitted. Springing must be by means of coil springs made of Iron-based alloys.

Wheels & Tyres

  • The only materials allowed for the wheels rims are Mg and Al alloys.
  • The only permitted wheel rim sizes are:
    • Front, 2.50” x 17”
    • Rear, 3.50” x 17”
  • The number and specification of tyres allocated to each rider per event will be controlled.
  • Only tyres from the Official Supplier may be used.

Materials & Construction

  • Construction materials must comply with Article 2.7.10 of the FIM Grand Prix regulations.
  • Camshafts, crankshafts, piston pins must be made from Iron-based alloys.
  • Engine crankcases, cylinder blocks and cylinder heads must be made from cast aluminium alloys.
  • Pistons must be made from an aluminium alloy.
  • Connecting rods, valves and valve springs must be made from either Iron-based or Titanium-based alloys.
  • Definitions:
  • “X-based alloy” means the element X (e.g. Fe, for iron-based alloy) must be the most abundant element in the alloy, on a % w/w basis.

General

  • Number of machines: the team can scrutineer only one motorcycle per rider.
  • Number of engines: a maximum of 8 engines per rider may be used during all Grand Prix race events comprising the season. A rebuilt engine will be counted as a new engine.
  • Teams will be required to register engines at Technical Control on the day before the first practice at each event. Such registered engines will be sealed (excluding cam cover, transmission if applicable) and seals may not be removed except under supervision of the Technical Director. Only sealed and registered engines may be used on track at Grand Prix race events. An engine presented for Technical Control without intact seals will be counted as a new engine.
  • Apart from the above regulations, all other construction criteria, dimensions and specifications are as per the FIM Grand Prix Regulations.

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