Highside

Cubic centimeter (cc)
A cc, or cubic centimeter, is the unit of measurement for the Engine Displacement. An accurate way to measure the effective power of an engine, cc’s allow for variations in different engine variables, like the bore and stroke, while still measuring the same effective power.

125cc
The 125cc class uses the smallest engines of all the current MotoGP classes, and consequently has the smallest bikes of the three. 125cc engines in MotoGP are regulated to have two cylinders. The 125s are seen as more of a novice class, where young riders can gain experience on the world stage before progressing to the larger bikes. The 125cc class is currently the only class in MotoGP that has a maximum age limit (25 years old). Riders must be at least 16 years old in order to compete in the race. 125cc motorcycles have been raced in MotoGP since it’s inaugural season in 1949.

250cc
The 250cc class was the intermediary class between the 125s and the premier MotoGP class before it was replaced with the Moto2 class in 2010. Two cylinder 250cc bikes served as a training catalyst for riders hoping to move into the premier class, but the increased age and skill of the riders, along with the higher speeds and more advanced technology that went into designing the bikes, meant that many people considered it less of a stepping stone and more of a full-fledged, independent class. However, the trend of 250cc World Champions “graduating” to MotoGP hindered this reputation.

Moto2
Moto2 is the spiritual successor to the intermediary 250cc class, in which teams develop their own bike around a spec four cylinder 600cc engine. The Moto2 class began in 2010, in a change brought about by both a desire to cut costs for teams, and increase the number of riders on the track. The series has seen great success thus far, providing two drama-filled races in which over 40 riders have competed. The decision to use a spec engine was an attempt to even the playing field for smaller teams with less funding, while the ability to design a custom chassis has rekindled an old spark in the MotoGP world: privateer teams running “garage” bikes designed by one or two people, and not a factory. Initial reaction to the change has been mixed, with some people complaining about the loss of the traditional 250cc class, and others expressing concern over the use of a spec engine. However, the changes have been greeted positively by riders and team managers, as evidenced by the increased focus on the intermediary class.

MotoGP
The MotoGP Premier class uses four cylinder 800cc prototype bikes currently designed by one of four factories: Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, or Ducati. The premier class is the main attraction to the world of MotoGP, containing the fastest bikes, best riders, largest salaries, biggest sponsors, and the most glamour. Multi-MotoGP World Championship winners often go on to join the pantheon of racing legends, with the likes of Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts, Michael Doohan, and Valentino Rossi.

We speculated a few days ago that Niccolo Canepa had fewer days left in MotoGP than was expected, and today that speculation came true.  GPone.com reported today that Pramac Ducati’s manager, Paolo Campitoni, has announced that Aleix Espargaro will be riding for the satellite Ducati squad in Estoril.  With Casey Stoner slated to return at the Portugal round, Mika Kallio will be returning to Pramac, which means that for Espargaro to ride, Canepa will have to step aside.

The news has upset Canepa, and his manager is currently in talks with Pramac to ensure he gets paid for the rest of the season.  Canepa’s contract does not stipulate that he must ride, only that he must be paid, so Espargaro will most likely be filling in pro-bono.

The battle between Espargaro and Canepa is hardly finished, however; both are slated to be potential candidates for Pramac’s Moto2 project next year, and while Espargaro would certainly like to stay in the premier class, spending a year in Moto2 might be more beneficial for the surprise Spaniard.  If Espargaro continues to be successful, expect to see him riding somewhere for Pramac next year, while Canepa will most likely have to step back to World Superbike or World Superstock.