LATEST HOT GOSSIP from the world of MotoGP: Norton are planning to join the premier league grid in 2012, with an all-new 1000cc racer.
According to the respected Austrian journalist Gunther Wiesinger, the British company has requested two slots on the 2012 grid from MotoGP organisers, Dorna. It's reported Norton boss Stuart Garner has submitted a signed application to Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to participate in the series when MotoGP returns to 1000cc in 2012.
It's expected Norton will race as a 'Claiming Rule Team' (CRT) meaning the the team will be allowed more fuel and more engines each season, compared to the prototype machines we see on today's MotoGP grid.
BMW and Aprilia have also been linked to joining the series, which has suffered from a seriously depleted grid over the last two seasons.
Visordown spoke with Norton's Chris Walker, who couldn't confirm the rumour but said the company were looking into participating on the world motorcycle racing stage. Reading between the lines that could mean MotoGP or World Superbikes.
We'll keep you updated as the story develops.
Via Motomatters.com
