Ezpeleta: Grid shrink due to 800cc rules

In an interview with Italian magazine Motosprint, Ezpeleta argued that while the financial crisis triggered Kawasaki's pull-out last year and Suzuki's decision to cut back to one bike for 2011, he felt that the effects would have been lessened had the championship not adopted the 800cc engine regulations four years ago.

Asked if Suzuki's cut-back showed the manufacturers had become too powerful, Ezpeleta replied: "I'd say it shows that the manufacturers have made mistakes in their planning and are now in a crisis for a situation they wanted to have. The case of Suzuki is paradoxical, as was the case for Kawasaki."

He added: "The manufacturers wanted the 800cc class, so it was them causing the escalation of costs that, because of the crisis, forced them to take a step back. Now not all of them can maintain their commitments because of financial problems."

Ezepeleta is optimistic that 2012's move to 1000cc engines will see Suzuki increase its programme again.

"I'm still discussing with Suzuki, to convince them to field at least two bikes in 2012, with the new 1000cc class," he said.

But he was cautious about the chances of next year's rule change seeing a large grid increase. The MotoGP field is currently 17 bikes at most event.

Asked if he expected new manufacturers for 2012, Ezpeleta said: "I believe so, but I can't be sure.

"In any case, with the ones we have now, we are already able to have a good show. If more are to come then it will be fantastic, because the objective is to have 22 bikes."

Moto2 constructor Suter has already begun testing a 2012 MotoGP design fitted with a BMW engine.