If Carmelo Ezpeleta’s dream of filling the dwindling MotoGP grid with 22 to 24 riders than he may get his wish, because the FIM has released the number of teams who submitted their interest in taking part in the 2012 season and the numbers are big.
According to the press release (after the jump) 16 new teams applied and 14 with 21 riders have been accepted in the first application pitch.
These teams will probably be coming from ambitious Moto2 squads, where the can take advantage of the new CRT rules, that includes more engines and a larger fuel-tank capacity.
It will be interesting to see the names of these teams and who is behind them when the list is released in June, and above all if they’ll be able to find the necessary funding and sponsorship to commit to a whole and every expensive season of MotoGP racing.
MotoGP Class Applications for 2012 SeasonOn 6 April 2011 the FIM announced that teams wishing to be considered for participation in the MotoGP class in 2012 should register their interest with IRTA.
The closing date for expressions of interest was Friday 29 April.
Applications were not required from existing teams already participating in the MotoGP class.
IRTA has received submissions from 16 teams not currently participating in the MotoGP class.
After reviewing the initial applications with Dorna it has been decided to provide further information to 14 teams containing 21 riders.
Those teams will now be provided with a prospectus containing full details of the terms and conditions of participation.
Teams who wish to proceed with their applications will then have until Saturday 14 May to submit comprehensive details of their plans for participation.
These applications will be reviewed at Le Mans and teams will be notified of an acceptance, a rejection or pending status.
Accepted teams will then have until Friday 3 June, the first day of the Catalunya Grand Prix, to lodge a security deposit with IRTA.
A final list of accepted teams will then be published.