The introduction of the Moto2 class has allowed a raft of new companies to either enter or expand their role in the MotoGP paddock. With engine manufacturers taken out of the equation - at least for the time being - the focus on chassis has opened up opportunities for engineering firms such as FTR, Kalex and Suter to spread their wings. And with bigger changes coming in 2012 - the introduction of the so-called Claiming Rule Teams or CRTs, featuring production-based engines in prototype chassis, and Moto3, with cost-limited 250cc four-strokes in prototype chassis - the independent engineering firms will become an even bigger part of Grand Prix racing.
FTR has today announced in a press release - or rather, publicly admitted - that they are looking at greatly expanding their presence in the Grand Prix paddock. Their partnership with Norton to produce a 1000cc MotoGP bike (building a chassis for a 1000cc V4 engine prepared by Pr1mo Racing) has been talked about for several weeks now, though Norton is still facing hurdles before being accepted on the grid. Regardless of the difficulties surrounding a full-time MotoGP grid slot, the bike will also be raced at next year's Isle of Man Senior TT.
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