125cc: Moto3 launched in Barcelona

The new four-stroke NSF250R was unveiled during the build-up to the Catalunya Grand Prix at Barcelona by HRC vice-president Shuhei Nakamoto and Yoshiyuki Kurayoshi, who has overseen the development of the bike.

"I'm very happy to be here in Catalunya launching the new machine that Honda has produced to compete in the Moto3 category next season," said Nakamoto.

"From the MT125R of 1976 to the RS125R, Honda has produced many market racing machines during this 34-year period and nurtured a number of racing riders.

"We have enjoyed much success with RS125R and we hope this new machine will provide a similar story. Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso became world champions riding this bike and our aim is again to give young riders a good racing machine to help them learn the basics and gain experience to one day reach the top class.

"Our greatest joy would be for the machine to serve as a springboard in creating future MotoGP champion riders."

The machine, which weighs 84kg and will rev to 13,000rpm, will be sold through Honda dealers in Europe and through GEO Technology.

Alex Criville, the 500cc world champion in 1999, will give the new bike its public track debut on Friday evening at Barcelona.