Six teams set for Moto switch

The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme have revealed the six teams who have been offered a contract for next year's MotoGP World Championship.

By Queroseno Racing, Forward Racing, Kiefer Racing, Marc VDS Racing Team, Paddock GP Racing and Speed Master are all set to move up from the lower classes at the start of 2012.
New rules for next season, principally the move to 1000cc engines from the current 800cc units, have been designed to cut the costs of running a team in the top class and several squads had expressed an interest in making the step up, particularly from the Moto2 ranks.
Eleven teams were invited through to this stage of the process after having their bids reviewed at the French Grand Prix in mid-may.
The remaining hopefuls then had to lodge a security deposit with the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) by the Friday of the grand prix weekend in Barcelona on June 3, with series rights holders Dorna and IRTA whittling the list down to a final few.
The six teams, who will be allowed to enter one rider apiece, are now set to step up subject to submission of their final plans.
By Queroseno, who have received backing from American socialite Paris Hilton this season, currently race in the 125cc class while the other five teams all run bikes in the Moto2 category.
The FIM also confirmed that they are still considering applications from new manufacturers wishing to compete in MotoGP.
A statement read: "As previously notified, the existing teams in the MotoGP class will all be offered a contract of participation with IRTA for the 2012 FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix season.
"Applications from new teams for this class exceeded the likely number of places available. Following the selection procedure it has been decided to offer additional contracts of participation with IRTA to each of the following teams all of whom currently participate in other classes of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix: By Queroseno Racing, Forward Racing, Kiefer Racing, Marc VDS Racing Team, Paddock GP Racing, Speed Master
"In each case the offer is with respect to one rider only and is subject to the submission of their final plans."
Should the teams all be granted submission it will be a major boost in numbers to MotoGP grids, which have hovered around the 17-bike mark in recent seasons.