Honda boss explains satellite team rev limit

Honda has confirmed cutting revs on the RC212V engines distributed to its satellite teams for the 2009 MotoGP campaign.

Having finally taken delivery of the pneumatic valve engines used by Honda’s official factory team, the likes of Randy de Puniet and Alex de Angelis have had revs cut on the motor to 18,200rpm.

he factory bikes used by Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso rev to around 19,000rpm, but the reduction has been introduced as part of Honda’s bid to save costs. By cutting revs, Honda will be able to save on mileage and reduce maintenance costs and new parts.

HRC boss Shuhei Nakamoto said: “The Honda satellite teams have a bit of a different specification but that is just to help the engine last longer.

“The internal spec is different and at this moment satellite teams use engines for longer life because if the engine-changing schedule is the same as the factory team then you need a big budget.

“I don’t think the satellite teams have this kind of money in the current economic climate.”