During the Brno MotoGP in the Czech Republic, the FIM confirmed that two-stroke motorcycle racing will come to an end in 2011.
It's long been rumoured that the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) would phase out two-smokers; when Moto2 replaced the 250cc class the writing was on the wall for 125cc two-stroke racing.
The new class will be officially called Moto3, with the first season to kick off in 2012, and the category stipulates teams must field single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke engines, with a maximum bore of 81mm.
Here's the official line from the FIM:
Moto3 Class
The 125cc class will be replaced by the Moto3 class. The basic technical rules of this class are:
- Single cylinder 250cc 4-stroke engines with a maximum bore of 81 mm.
- Each engine should last for 3 races minimum and cost not more than €10,000 (final cost will be announced).
- Each manufacturer if required should be ready to supply a minumum of 15 riders.
With a renewed focus on 250cc four-stroke racing bikes, expect to see more manufacturers - both large and small companies - develop bonafide 250cc production sportsbikes that leverage the technologies and innovations of the Moto3 class.