MotoGP: Them’s The Brakes
Paul Carruthers | May 22, 2014
Photography By Gold & Goose
There are several top MotoGP riders who woke up with a smile on their faces today with the FIM Grand Prix Commission agreeing to modify the rules regarding larger sized carbon disc brakes in the MotoGP class.
Previously, 320mm discs were used at all the circuits on the calendar with the exception of Motegi in Japan where 340mm discs were mandatory; and Montemelo in Spain and Sepang in Malaysia where the use of 340mm discs was optional. That changed today with the commission – with the support of the brake manufacturers – changing the rule to allow for the use of 340mm discs at all the racetracks on the calendar. At Motegi, however, all riders will be required to use the 340s.
Valentino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow are the riders who have been most vocal regarding the use of the larger brakes.
“…going out tonight to celebrate!” Crutchlow wrote on his Twitter feed today. “Can eat this week now instead of trying to starve myself to be able to stop…”
Paul Carruthers | Editor
Paul Carruthers took over as the editor of Cycle News in 1993 after serving as associate editor since starting his career at the publication in 1985. Carruthers has covered every facet of the sport in his near-28-year tenure at America’s Daily Motorcycle News Source.
