Moto2: KTM quits over rule changes

Despite the team committing to the class until 2014, new 600cc, four-stroke engine and free chassis regulations recently introduced for 2010 by the FIM and Dorna have not pleased most of the manufacturers, and have prompted KTM to quit altogether.

KTM project engineer Harald Bartol is not happy with the rule changes of the class from a personal perspective: "What we will be doing is making an engine that is of a lesser specification than the 600cc road bike engines you can buy in the dealer. And the costs will be much much higher than people have predicted."

With some teams already in financial difficulty this season, there may be a significant reduction in grid numbers next year, with speculation suggesting as few as 16 per race.

KTM now intend to focus their efforts on the 125cc class with Spaniard Marc Marquez and American Cameron Beaubier, the successful protégé of the KTM MotoGP Academy.

"We have decided for the GP 125cc class because contrary to 250s, its existence is secured in the medium to long term," said Winfried Kerschhaggl, head of KTM Racing.