Starting in 2011 the 2-stroke powered 250GP machines will be replaced by 600cc motorcycles but the big news is the eminent switch to a spec tire starting in 2009.According to recent information released by the FIM following a meeting held during the Japanese GP at Motegi, a spec tire rule has been agreed upon unanimously by the Grand Prix Commission. The decision is based on 'safety and cost reasons' according to he release and that the decision regarding which tire manufacturer will be awarded this prize will happen by October 18th, 2008.
First signs of the impending demise of tire vs. tire competition in GP came a year earlier when Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman) announced this change was in the works at Motegi in '07.
On a heavier note, the once revered 250GP class, the stepping stone for the greatest Grand Prix riders in history, will be replaced by a new 600cc 4-Stroke class. According to the Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers Association (MSMA), who also held their clandestine meeting at Motegi, they have also ruled unanimously to incorporate and support the new class but the final rules have not yet been revealed. At this point it sounds as though the MSMA and FIM are close to making a decision on the rules package and are set to make the announcement in December 2008.
Initially the plan was to run production based 600s but that would be a conflict for Dorna and the World Supersport regulations so in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the Grand Prix racing it seems as though their will be a production-based motor rule which is in contrast to the spec-engine rule initially proposed.
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