BMW and Aprilia to MotoGP in 2012?

New engine rules prompt European manufacturers to make plans for 2012

BMW and APRILIA could be competing in MotoGP in 2012, when the new engine rules come into force. That's the hot MotoGP news coming from Europe this morning.

The new rules, set by the FIM and Dorna, will see a return to a maximum engine size of 1000cc (max four cylinders) with a bore no bigger than 81mm. This means both BMW's s1000RR and Aprilia's RSVR could be eligible in the premier racing series.

It's reported that Eskil Suter, the engineering wizard behind a number of machines on this year's Moto2 grid, is already at work on an S1000RR-engined MotoGP bike, which could be ready to rock by the end of the year.

The MotoGP paddock gossip also stretches to Italian manufacturer Aprilia. It's believed the company are now making serious steps towards putting their RSV4 Factory onto the MotoGP grid in 2012, with Roman Emperor Max Biaggi as the team's number one.

Exciting times: European manufacturers challenging the Japanese stranglehold on MotoGP.

Bring it on.

via twowheelsblog