Post by BADGER on Jun 16, 2007 22:16:34 GMT
Ducati - and any other manufacturer - will be able to race a 1200cc twin-cylinder in the 2008 Superbike World Championship following amendments to the technical regulations.
After lengthy discussions, and threats by from both sides to leave the championship, a compromise has been reached 'after consultation with all the parties involved and upon the proposal submitted by the Superbike Commission' whereby 1200cc twins will be allowed to race against the 1000cc four-cylinders - but with higher weight limits, air restrictors and standard con rods.
Initially, the 1200s will weigh 6kg more than the 1000s and have 50mm air restrictors - but both of these values will be 'updated, if needed, during the championship by a system analysing the race points obtained'.
Any subsequent weight changes to the 1200s will be made in 3kg increments, with a minimum of 162kg (the same as 1000cc four-cylinders) and a maximum of 171kg. Any air restrictor changes will be made in 2mm steps, with a minimum of 46mm and a maximum of no restrictor at all.
The third and final difference between 1000cc fours and 1200cc twins will be that connecting rods must be standard for 1200cc twins - otherwise the level of tuning allowed will be the same for both types of machine.
The present technical rules give both twins and fours the same 1000cc engine capacity, but allow the twins to be more highly tuned to help balance the horsepower advantage of the four-cylinders. However, this extra tuning adds considerably to cost of racing and Ducati has been pushing to allow a race version of its new 1098 - bored out to 1200cc - to compete in WSBK next season, by surrendering its current tuning advantage.
That alone wasn't enough to convince the four-cylinder teams that they wouldn't be at a disadvantage due to the extra 200cc - hence the increased weight limit, use of air restrictors and standard con rods.
KTM and BMW are also rumoured to be considering entering WSBK with a 1200cc twin cylinder in the near future.
One final change that will affect all machines is an increase in the homologation numbers. For 2008 and 2009 all manufacturers, irrespective of their total production numbers, will have to produce a minimum of 1000 bikes in order to get an homologation. For 2010 onwards the minimum production number will be increased to 3000 bikes.
After lengthy discussions, and threats by from both sides to leave the championship, a compromise has been reached 'after consultation with all the parties involved and upon the proposal submitted by the Superbike Commission' whereby 1200cc twins will be allowed to race against the 1000cc four-cylinders - but with higher weight limits, air restrictors and standard con rods.
Initially, the 1200s will weigh 6kg more than the 1000s and have 50mm air restrictors - but both of these values will be 'updated, if needed, during the championship by a system analysing the race points obtained'.
Any subsequent weight changes to the 1200s will be made in 3kg increments, with a minimum of 162kg (the same as 1000cc four-cylinders) and a maximum of 171kg. Any air restrictor changes will be made in 2mm steps, with a minimum of 46mm and a maximum of no restrictor at all.
The third and final difference between 1000cc fours and 1200cc twins will be that connecting rods must be standard for 1200cc twins - otherwise the level of tuning allowed will be the same for both types of machine.
The present technical rules give both twins and fours the same 1000cc engine capacity, but allow the twins to be more highly tuned to help balance the horsepower advantage of the four-cylinders. However, this extra tuning adds considerably to cost of racing and Ducati has been pushing to allow a race version of its new 1098 - bored out to 1200cc - to compete in WSBK next season, by surrendering its current tuning advantage.
That alone wasn't enough to convince the four-cylinder teams that they wouldn't be at a disadvantage due to the extra 200cc - hence the increased weight limit, use of air restrictors and standard con rods.
KTM and BMW are also rumoured to be considering entering WSBK with a 1200cc twin cylinder in the near future.
One final change that will affect all machines is an increase in the homologation numbers. For 2008 and 2009 all manufacturers, irrespective of their total production numbers, will have to produce a minimum of 1000 bikes in order to get an homologation. For 2010 onwards the minimum production number will be increased to 3000 bikes.