Honda Racing Corporation has introduced in November 2013, the Honda RCV1000R prototype machine to be used from 2014 in the MotoGP “Open” Class (prototype machines with Magneti Marelli hardware and software, 24 liter tank and 12 engines per season). The goal of this new machine, which will be sold and not leased to the teams, is to compete in MotoGP with a reasonable budget.
Together with HRC Executive Vice President, Shuhei Nakamoto, Project leader, Tomonori Sato, presented the final machine to the World’s media, in anticipation of it’s first outing with the customer teams next Monday at the post-race Valencia test. The RCV1000R chassis is based on the current RC213V prototype bike, as is the engine – a 90º V4 producing over 175KW of power at 16,000rpm, utilizing spring valves and a traditional gear box. The bike will be delivered with Öhlins suspension and Nissin brakes.
Four riders will race on the RCV1000R in 2014, Nicky Hayden and a second rider (Aspar Team), Scott Redding (Honda Gresini Team) and Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Team). HRC test rider and two-time World Champion, Casey Stoner, has already tested the RCV1000R and provided positive feedback to HRC engineers.
Two machines will be available for the three day test.
Hemen Rajan
Amirul Tunkrul