MotoMatters.com | Kropotkin Thinks

The FIM today released the list of teams accepted for next year's Moto2 and Moto3 championships, and both championships are looking healthy. Twenty teams have been entered in each of the two classes, and grid size is expected to be 32 riders in both Moto2 and Moto3. That is actually a reduction in size for the Moto2 class: in previous years, 40 riders have been given starts, but this caused a number of complaints from the teams. Having 40 riders line up on the grid was widely regarded as being a little too many, creating dangerous situations as riders desperately try to make up as many positions as possible off the line.

Although the rider lists will not be officially released until Valencia - and even then, those lists are subject to massive change, as we have seen in previous years - there are still some interesting names on the list worth examining. In the Moto2 class, Marc Marquez' Monlau Competicion team has a grid slot, despite rumors that the Spaniard could move up to MotoGP. Catalunya Radio reported that Marquez is keen to go to MotoGP, but that Repsol wants to keep him in Moto2. If Marquez is promoted to MotoGP, then it is possible that Toni Elias could fill the vacant seat at Monlau Competicion.

Another development is that teams are spreading their wings into more classes. The Gresini squad have added a Moto3 entry to their MotoGP and Moto2 teams, MZ and Technomag will be fielding teams in both Moto2 and Moto3, and the team behind part of the Ajo racing team, TT Motion Events, will add slots in Moto2 to their Moto3 starts.

It is hard putting names to teams at the moment, as the silly season has only barely got underway in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes. Nico Terol will likely move up to Moto2, as will Johann Zarco, despite being offered a factory KTM with Ajo in Moto3. Julian Simon will remain with Aspar in Moto2, and Andrea Iannone and Stefan Bradl will also remain with their current teams. Luis Salom will be staying in Moto3 with RW Racing, the Dutch team having been offered a second grid slot. Kenan Sofuoglu is likely to stay in Moto2, and is being linked to a ride with the Gresini squad, the ride he turned down at the end of 2010 to go to Technomag. At Valencia, no doubt we will learn more, especially once the Moto2 test finishes on Monday, which has traditionally served as an audition for unsigned riders.

Below is the press release from the FIM announcing the entry lists:

FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix

Teams Accepted for the Moto3 & Moto2 Classes in 2012

The Selection Committee comprising delegates from FIM, IRTA and Dorna held meetings at the Motegi (JAP) and Phillip Island (AUS) Grand Prix to further consider applications from teams to participate in the Moto3 and Moto2 classes of MotoGP in 2012 Subject to final confirmation of the contracted riders the following teams were accepted:

Moto3 class - 20 teams, representing 32 entries

Moto2 class - 20 teams, representing 32 entries