Lorenzo Calls For Top Speed Limits

MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo in favour of speed cuts

The 2010 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo has been reported as saying he thinks the top speed of the sport's new bikes should be restricted by the sports governing body on the grounds of safety.

The new generation of 1,000cc bikes has in general been well received after the first real testing sessions that took place at the beginning of February at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia.

Despite the warm reception Yamaha factory rider Jorge Lorenzo, admitted: "I am not happy with the top speed" Adding "We need to reduce it if we want to make it in the safe category."

During the Sepang tests current World champion Casey Stoner beat Valentino Rossi's 2009 track record, set on an 800cc bike, by just under a second on, though this time will not stand as it was set out of competition.

Valentino Rossi himself though has no such concerns playing down any safety concerns about the bikes, which are capable of speeds up to 198mph along the straight. Rossi was quoted as saying "We can slide and the bike becomes more fun,".   Rossi went on to say "I like the 1,000cc. This type of engine has better torque and better drive ability. For me... the speed will be impressive and I don't think it will be more dangerous."

Mike Webb, race director with motorcycle racing's governing body FIM, told the BBC, transmissions are smoother on the larger engines. That makes it easier to shift up or down in gear, leading to "less accidents".

Webb, advocates that there is no such thing as 100% safety, and feels the level of safety and the chances of something going wrong is currently very, very low.

The 1000cc era is in it's infancy and with the drivers enjoying the new bikes he is confident that this will also be embraced by the spectators who will enjoy the race a lot more with the new bikes safer and easier to ride.

Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa, has experienced what he described as chatter or vibrations caused during hard braking.

He said: "You go into the corner and the bike is chattering. Chatter is something very difficult to fix." Honda's technical team though are working on the problem.

The MotoGP bikes from 2002 to 2007 were 990cc but from 2008 onwards they were reduced to 800cc in 2007 in a bid to reduce costs and cornering speeds.