FTR field two-man Moto2 team

Brit-based FTR Moto will have a two-rider line-up for the final two Moto2 Spanish Championship races at Jerez on November 15 and at Valencia on November 22.

Working closely with its development partner, the Barcelona-based Joe Darcey Team, FTR will have at least two of its M209 machines in action at the final two rounds with British rider Graeme Gowland already confirmed to compete for FTR/Joe Darcey while the second rider is yet to be announced.

FTR is committed to ensuring its 2010 Moto2 World Championship machine is in a position to win at the opening round on April 11 in Qatar and is increasing its research and development efforts in readiness.

FTR Director Steve Bones said: “Since the machine’s debut earlier this month at Montmelo we have received a lot of positive feedback and we now need to progress the M209 to ensure it is a winner from the start.”

“We always planned to produce more machines immediately after the first prototype had made its track debut and those machines are now complete.

“We’ve laid out a plan with the Joe Darcey Team and we are now in negotiations to determine who will race alongside Graeme at Jerez and Valencia.”

Gowland tested the M209 in a two-day test at Albacete last week and is now relishing the opportunity to race the machine at Jerez and Valencia.

“The machine is absolutely amazing,” said Gowland.

“I knew from the first lap that the potential of the FTR Moto machine is huge. Plus, the FTR guys arrived with different geometry and steering options following their first shakedown at Montmelo so it was really good to be able to test alternative settings.

“Since the Albacete test we’ve spoken about some additional settings and those parts are already prepared for my next outing so it’s clear that the commitment is there from all parties.”

FTR Moto specifications:

Overall dimensions:
Length: 1995mm
Width: 490mm
Height: 1195mm
Wheelbase: 1390mm
Ground clearance: 135mm
Dry weight: 135kg

Frame and structure:
Type/detail: FTR Moto design, fabrication, machining and finishing. Aluminium twin spar. Intake via headstock with stemless yoke system. Fully adjustable headstock and insert for angle, position. All controls, handlebars, footrests assemblies bespoke to rider.

Steering:
Type/detail: FTR Moto triple clamps in 24, 27 and 30 offsets. Ohlins SD210 steering damper. FTR Moto bespoke front axle assembly and spindle.

Swing arm and structure:
Type/detail: FTR Moto aluminium bespoke design and construction. Integrated rear stand locator and fixing. Bespoke chain adjuster assembly. Bespoke self-aligning rear spindle assembly. Pivot adjustment system.

Rear linkage:
Type/detail: FTR Moto bellcrank plate and link design. Various geometry options available. Easy access ride-height adjuster.