Honda to power Moto2 class

From motogp.com

The initial engine supplier for the Moto2 class, the 600cc prototype World Championship series which will run for the first time in 2010, has been confirmed as Japanese manufacturer Honda.

After receiving offers from various potential suppliers, the Permanent Bureau of FIM President Mr. Vito Ippolito and Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta made the unanimous decision to give the tender to the company.

The first Moto2 engine will run at over 150hp, housed inside chassis of the teams’ choosing. The prototype bikes will make their entrance to the World Championship against the current crop of 250cc machinery, which will run alongside the class in an arrangement similar to that made for the 500cc/MotoGP switch in 2002.

Rules changes regarding the 2009 season were also announced on Saturday at Jerez, with the duration of all MotoGP Free Practice and Qualifying sessions to be extended from 45 minutes to one hour as of the upcoming Grand Prix de France.

The new standard event schedule will now be as follows:
FRIDAY
125cc FP1 12.40-13.40
MotoGP FP1 13.55-14.55
250cc FP1 15.10-16.10

SATURDAY
125cc FP2 09.00-09.40 - QP 13.00-13.40
MotoGP FP2 09.55-10.55 - QP 13.55-14.55
250cc FP2 11.10-12.10 - QP 15.10-15.55

SUNDAY
125cc: WUP 08.40-09.00 Race 11.00
250cc: WUP 09.10-09.30 Race 12.15
MotoGP: WUP 09.40-10.00 Race 14.00