FTR and the first year of Moto2

With the initial Moto2 World Championship almost concluded – with just two of the
17 rounds remaining – FTR Moto’s Steve Bones reflects on the first year of the new category.

In early 2009 the Moto2 class was discussed by the Grand Prix Commission then the decision taken to introduce the new category from 2010, has it evolved in the manner you expected?

“Not really, no. The initial belief was that the class would be combined with 250cc two-stroke machines from 2010 and that the engine regulation would be 600cc but open to any manufacturer.

“So, the eventual grid for the opening round in Qatar in April this year was 100 per cent four-strokes and all Honda engines. But it’s all worked out, been positive and for the good of the class.

“I think the Moto2 class has captured the imagination of everybody – even if it is a bit daunting sometimes watching 40 machines hurtling into the first corner!”
 
From FTR’s business and marketing viewpoint has the 2010 Championship been a success?

“Yes, definitely. As a brand we were unknown a year ago and now I’d like to think that plenty of people know the FTR Moto name and, hopefully, are complimentary towards our work!

“We set out with no real ambition other than to be on the grid for the 2010 Championship.”
 
With all four of your permanent riders achieving podium finishes in 2010 could the season have been any better?

“For a very first year of World Championship competition I’m pretty sure we would have said a big ‘yes’ to the results we’ve had if they had been offered to us back in March.

“But then Alex Debon got second place on the FTR M210 in Qatar, the very first race of the new Championship – so our ambitions changed with that.

“Once we knew we could be competitive and we’d had that taste of success we began wanting it every race, almost demanding it.

“So when Karel Abraham completed the quartet of FTR riders on the podium with a great third place in Japan it simply became another tick in a box.

“And I’d like to recognise the one-off wild card appearances of Kev Coghlan at Aragon and Jason DiSalvo in Indianapolis, their displays are a good gauge of the capabilities of the M210.”
 
Obviously Andrea Iannone can still get runner-up place in the World Championship, is that what you expected in 2010 or is it better than expected?

“I suppose it is better than what we expected but we’ve also learnt an important lesson this year in our own education about racing and recognising that the team and its technical personnel are crucial and we’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best technical teams of the 2010 Championship.”
 
During 2010 you’ve developed the M210, was that in response to one specific team or to the general feeling from all of the FTR M210 riders?

“Yes, we’ve listened to all of the teams, riders and technicians throughout 2010 and it’s really important, imperative, to have that feedback and information, not just in motorcycle racing but in any technological arena.

“We revised the frame, introduced an improved version of our triple clamps and improved the fuel tank and seat, all based on that feedback.”

The original FTR prototype, raced in Spain at the end of last year, featured a stemless steering arrangement, that doesn’t seem to have been adopted by the 2010 teams, will it be seen again?

“Yes, without a doubt. The problem was the lateness in which many teams confirmed their plans for 2010 and, as a result, testing time pre season was limited and the teams were keen to continue with a steering arrangement that they knew so we reverted to their proven option.”
 
How do you generally think Moto2 machinery has been received?

“Overall the new machinery has proven very popular. In addition to the World Championship we’re racing in the Spanish Championship and that has 25-30 riders, we ran at the Isle of Man TT and the fans loved the noise of the machine and simply watching a pure racing machine.

“We’ve had discussions about national championships in a lot of countries and there’s plenty or interest in our retro machines based on Moto2.” 
 
What are the next steps for FTR Moto and Moto2?

“We’re already under way with a new aerodynamics package and further changes to the frame, swing arm and steering in readiness for the 2011 World Championship and in response to demand for the M211 machine.

“We’ve had plenty of enquiries about the 2011 machine and we’re now in the final stages of concluding agreements for World and Spanish activities.”