600cc Moto2 class to feed MotoGP talent

The new 600cc class could be used by some of the non-factory teams in MotoGP as ‘feeder’ outfits to help them nurture talented young riders for a premier class future.

The Scot Honda team that will run Yuki Takahashi in 2009 already has involvement in the current 250 class, while Lucio Cecchinello’s LCR Honda squad had previously operated in 250s too with Eugene Laverty.

And IRTA boss Mike Trimby reckons the low running costs of the 250 replacement class could see MotoGP ‘B’ teams in operation.

“There are some of the private teams in MotoGP that are thinking about running a second team in the new class with a view to developing younger riders. It will be a fairly cheap class to operate in and you could garner a bit of sponsorship that could also help pay for the MotoGP effort too.

“At the same time you are investing in the future, working with a rider for a year or two and developing him further if all works out.”

Trimby though doubts whether any of the factory teams like Fiat Yamaha or Repsol Honda will run feeder teams, with little or no direct factory involvement expected in the new class.”