FTR to build chassis for new Gresini 1000cc project

British specialists FTR will design and build the chassis for Fausto Gresini’s new Honda CBR1000RR-powered MotoGP project in 2012.

The Italian team owner has chosen the Buckingham company, who have also built a new chassis for the Spanish-based BQR squad using a Kawasaki ZX-10R motor.

FTR have also been heavily involved in the manufacturing of Ducati’s new conventional twin spin aluminium chassis, which broke cover in Valencia last week when Valentino Rossi tested the new GP12.

Gresini will run one privately developed 1000cc machine (CRT) in 2012 and one prototype RC213V bike leased off Honda for Spanish rider Alvaro Bautista.

Gresini is yet to confirm who will ride the CBR1000RR-FTR machine and he said: “It is a source of great satisfaction that we have reached an agreement with FTR Moto to take part in the new MotoGP series, CRT.  The battle between the Claiming Rule Teams will be an exciting one and we are entering it with great enthusiasm. Our willingness to take part was always based on the condition that we had the right technical partner and with FTR Moto and a Honda CBR1000R engine we believe we can build a competitive bike for this new category. It is a new adventure that appeals to our racing spirit and it could prove to be the future of MotoGP. We will work our hardest and I am sure we will have great results together.”

FTR boss Steve Bones, who originally worked on a project with Gresini that would have used an Aprilia RSV4 engine, said: “We are absolutely delighted to start up a partnership with Team San Carlo Honda Gresini and to join them on a new adventure in MotoGP. Team Gresini have shown over the years that they are technically competent, as their numerous successes prove, and we are sure that will continue alongside FTR on this new adventure. The growing interest in the new MotoGP-CRT category is exciting for all of us and we can’t wait to get on track as soon as possible to start developing the bike and breaking new technical boundaries.”

Gresini signed Bautista immediately after the final race in Valencia following the tragic death of popular Italian rider Marco Simoncelli in Sepang last month.